Blog

What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

This blog post was authored by Lucinda Shore and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee. As bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease become more common in the U.S., getting a quick, accurate diagnosis and expert care is very important. To help meet this need, the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association created the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN). The CCN connects people to medical centers throughout the U.S. that provide expert care and treatment, high-quality education, advice, and support for those living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The CCN gives sites one of two designations: Care Center: These centers offer a clinical research program, treat hundreds of people with bronchiectasis and NTM, and provide direct access to specialists (like dietitians or psychologists) for immediate care. Clinical Associate Center (CAC): CACs provide high-quality, expert care, but may see fewer people with both conditions, may be less involved in research, and may not have access to specialists within the center.

Press Release

Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network expands to 62 centers

Miami (May 13) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has accepted one new Care Center and three new Clinical Associate Center sites into the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN). The CCN includes 62 centers across the United States.The CCN aims to facilitate access to specialized care and support for the hundreds of thousands of people with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.“People living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease deserve access to high-quality, specialized care and resources,” said Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, M.D., Chair of the CCN Steering Committee. “The CCN’s innovative network of expert centers is dedicated to enhancing care and improving quality of life for those living with these conditions.”

Discussion

Boiling water update

Hello! I have great news to report on the  time required to boil water to get rid of NTM. Jennifer Honda, PhD ,BNTM water expert presented an update at the recent NTMir Patent Conference. The research study, referred to as the BANTER study, Boiling Assessment of NTM in Tap Water Evaluation Regional, included top BNTM experts throughout the country including Dr. Joseph Falkinham , National Jewish Health and 7 other BNTM experts. The new recommendation is to boil water for 3 minutes!!! Wow! What a time saver. We don’t have to be concerned about boiling water for 10-15 minutes anymore when we are at home and or out and about. I look forward to hearing more positive updates that will lessen the time we need for daily therapies.