What is an MOU?
An MOU is a Memorandum of Understanding- an agreement between the
Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) and another PH organization
from a different country. It states that the two organizations
will share best practices and coordinate their efforts of providing
information, supporting the PH community, and reaching out to
patients, families, doctors, and medical professionals worldwide.
How can my organization benefit by signing a MOU with PHA?
Every PH association signing a MOU with PHA receives:
- Special recognition on PHA’s website,
-
References in appropriate publications, such as Pathlight, PHA’s
newsletter,
- Membership in the elite group of PH associations in other nations
that have signed MOUs (currently the United Kingdom, Japan,
and British Columbia),
-
Access to the coordination services of PHA’s International
Program Associate,
- Membership in PH_Planet, a listserv for the leaders of international
PH associations,
- Enhanced credibility by being tied to an information-sharing network
designed to help faster growth of PH associations worldwide.
Most importantly, organizations signing an MOU get all this without
compromising their ability to focus on the issues most important
to their members.
How can the members of my organization benefit if my organization
signs a MOU?
Every PH association in the world, whatever its stage of organization,
is constantly introducing new and important ideas in the struggle
against PH. Communication is the key to sharing these ideas. By
talking through organizational issues and sharing best practices,
each participating nation will be in a better position to accelerate
the growth of its PH association. Patient isolation will decrease
and opportunities to work for positive change will increase.
If my organization signs a MOU, what can we look forward to in
the future?
With the recent hire of our International Program Associate, we
expect that signing a MOU will soon offer even more benefits than
it already does. Some items in the works include updating our website,
assisting in more translations of our Patient’s Survival
Guide, fully utilizing our listserv, increased information sharing,
and more.
What does PHA get out of an MOU?
PHA gets many of the same benefits from signing a MOU as other
groups do. As with other organizations, PHA and its members benefit
from international communication and the sharing of information
and resources. It also enhances PHA’s credibility to be
formally associated with other associations. Above all, coordinating
and cooperating with others- regardless of nationality- as they
fight this disease, maintains and feeds the spirit of the PH
community.
