The Muscular Dystrophy Public Health Consortium (MDPHC or “the Consortium”) is a unified, collaborative initiative committed to improving health outcomes and quality of life for all individuals living with muscular dystrophies (MDs). The Consortium represents various individuals and organizations across federal, national, state, and local groups. Recognizing that muscular dystrophies are rare, complex conditions that present distinct public health challenges across the lifespan, the Consortium brings together multiple stakeholders – providers, patients, families, clinicians and researchers – to drive meaningful change and optimal muscular dystrophy care.

Mission Statement

The mission of the MDPHC is to improve outcomes for all children and adults with MDs. The Consortium achieves its mission by:

  • Providing leadership and a unified voice for public health priorities
  • Expanding opportunities for surveillance and public health research
  • Informing public policy priorities that benefit public health and those living with muscular dystrophies

By working together and leveraging the knowledge and expertise of the MD stakeholders, the MDPHC is able to make progress towards improving the lives of persons living with MDs through the following objectives:

  • Raise awareness of MDs and their comorbidities
  • Raise awareness on the immediate and lifelong health impacts of MDs
  • Provide suggestions to inform the public health approach for MDs
  • Appraise access to care for all services and cost challenges related to MDs
  • Promote effective transition from pediatric to adult care

Resources For Families

Muscular Dystrophy in Children & Teens: Information for Families
Discover essential information about muscular dystrophy in children, including symptoms, treatment options and support for families navigating this condition.

General Membership and Other Inquiries

Individuals and organizations whose interests and efforts align with the mission of the MDPHC are invited to participate and join MDPHC general membership by contacting us and sending a request.

Contact Us


The Muscular Dystrophy Public Health Consortium (MDPHC) is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The outputs of the MDPHC are solely the responsibility of the MDPHC and do not necessarily represent the official views of, or an endorsement by, the member organizations of the MDPHC, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. 

Last Updated

12/05/2025

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics