The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is an international non-profit medical society of health care professionals who treat and/or perform research on birth defects of the head and face.  The members of ACPA serve an extremely important role in the management of children and adults with cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial anomalies.  For 60 years, their goal has been to provide optimal care for this group of patients and their families.  Because of the diverse needs of these patients, and the required services of many different specialists, interdisciplinary cooperation and team care is essential to the patients served.

ACPA is unique - it is a multidisciplinary organization of over 2500 members, representing more than 30 disciplines in 50 countries.  A primary objective of the Association is to foster communication and cooperation among professionals from all specialties.  ACPA holds a general scientific meeting of the membership every year where over 200 papers are presented.  From the United States, Canada, and around the world, information and ideas relating to improving the care and outcome of patients with clefts and craniofacial anomalies are exchanged.

The official publication of ACPA is the bi-monthly Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal.  It is an international, interdisciplinary journal reporting on clinical and research activities in cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial anomalies, together with research in related laboratory sciences.  The quarterly ACPA/CPF Newsletter reports on business affairs, meeting highlights, and member news.  While ACPA's focus is on professional education, its affiliated Cleft Palate Foundation provides information to affected individuals and their families and seeks to educate the public about facial difference.

ACPA is an exciting and growing organization.  Unlike most associations, it is a true forum for communication among specialists, all with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, but with the common interest in the overall outcome of their patients. Membership is available in several categories and each includes the benefit of reduced registration fees for the annual scientific convention.

ACPA is governed by a 16-member Executive Council which establishes Association policy and monitors activities as they are implemented through the National Office. The Council is supported by 25 committees and a staff of five.

• Enlaces / Sociedades Científicas y Asociaciones