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.

The CCN continues to expand, adding new centers often. The goal is to have a Center in every state and in rural areas.

Potential sites must apply to the CCN. Those applications are reviewed by a panel of bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease experts. If the site meets the CCN’s requirements, has the necessary structure for coordinating care, plans ongoing staff education, and meets a regional need, the application is approved and the site is designated as either a Care Center or a Clinical Associate Center. Once the site is officially accepted, the Center is added to the searchable Find a Center directory.

Your voice is important in helping the CCN grow. Share information about the CCN with your community, in support groups, and through discussions with your health care team to help us connect more people with the expert care and resources they deserve.