The BioTherapeutics, Education & Research Foundation was incorporated in California on the 24th of February, 2003, as a not-for-profit public charity. The BTER Foundation ha been determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to qualify as a tax-exempt Public Charity, under IRS Code 501(c)3. Tax identification Number of the BTER Foundation is:

The mission of the Foundation is to advance health care by improving access for all to biotherapy, through education and research. To that end, the Foundation produces educational programs and materials for patients, therapists and the lay community, conducts and supports research, and makes grants to improve access to care and disseminate research findings.

In 2004, the BTER Foundation began publishing news, research articles and educational information in its own newsletter, The BeTER LeTTER. The Foundation also published its first Guidelines document, a Template Policy and Procedures for Maggot Therapy.

 

In 2005, the BTER Foundation produced the first workshop for therapists: “Principles and Practice of Maggot Debridement Therapy”. Since that time, the workshops have been quite popular, now often co-sponsored by other organizations, universities and medical societies, and attended by as many as 100 participants at each session.

Plans for 2009-2010 include:

  • Expand the BTER Foundation website
  • Open the Foundation to membership
  • Offer courses via internet (“webinars”)
  • Advance the research agenda
  • Sponsor the 8th International Biotherapy Conference
  • Increase donations and grant support, so that we can assist more patients.

The demand for our Patients Assistance Grants has increased so much over the past few years that this year we ran out of patient support funds early and had to start turning away patients who have been prescribed treatments like maggot therapy to save their legs, but have no insurance or other funds to pay for it. In part, this is due to our successful education efforts, increasing awareness about these effective biotherapy treatments. In part, this is due to the ever increasing numbers of uninsured and underinsured Americans.

For more information about how you could help us help others and support advanced health care, see our support pages.