ACPA and Smile Train Strengthen Commitment to Healthcare Professionals and Children with Clefts

Chapel Hill, N.C. (March 8, 2023) – The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA), the premier scientific resource and interdisciplinary professional network for healthcare providers serving patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial differences, and Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, are pleased to announce a new agreement to ensure cleft and craniofacial healthcare professionals globally have access to accredited continuing education, research, and the latest clinical innovations to best care for their patients.

The agreement will leverage the strengths of each organization, connect the global cleft community, and significantly expand the reach of ACPA’s leading scientific resources to professionals around the world.

“ACPA’s core model of interdisciplinary team care is now practiced at a global scale, and we’ve watched our partnership with Smile Train grow as their comprehensive care approach has made for a natural progression in our two organizations’ relationship,” said Adam Levy, ACPA Executive Director. “By expanding our output with Smile Train’s global reach, we know that key issues facing the cleft and craniofacial community, such as malnutrition, access to care, and the dissemination of research, will create a positive impact, and we’re truly grateful for our ongoing collaboration."

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with ACPA,” said Susannah Schaefer, President, and CEO of Smile Train. “This continued collaboration enables Smile Train and ACPA to ensure international voices are represented at this important forum in cleft treatment and care. Our collective strengthened commitment is a win for healthcare professionals, the global cleft community and, most importantly, patients.”

Smile Train will once again join ACPA’s Annual Meeting as the International Program Supporter. Other focuses within the agreement will include expanding access to both translated digital educational materials and ACPA’s member-specific resources, including the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal.

In addition, Smile Train has agreed to support ACPA’s Visiting Scholar Program. The ACPA Visiting Scholar Program selects a cleft and craniofacial healthcare professional from a developing country to travel to the United States to learn more about cleft and craniofacial care directly from ACPA Approved Teams. Through Smile Train’s support, ACPA will offer this opportunity to a second scholar annually.

About the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association

The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit medical association founded in 1943, representing patients and families with cleft and craniofacial conditions, and the professionals who provide their care. ACPA has more than 2,100 members representing 37 healthcare disciplines who care for patients and conduct research in all 50 states and in over 50 countries around the world.

Since 1943, ACPA has provided education, support, research, and interdisciplinary team care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients–enabling individuals to live complete and fulfilling lives. Each year around 76,000 patients have access to the highest standards of care through our 195 ACPA Approved Teams. Visit ACPA at ACPAcares.org

About Smile Train

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Visit Smile Train at smiletrain.org.

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Press Contact:

Nicole Bell
Smile Train
Vice President, Public Relations
633 Third Ave, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10017
646.829.0996
nbell@smiletrain.org