In an ongoing effort to bring expanded resources and expertise to its membership and the natural health products industry at large, the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), an international alliance of forward-looking companies dedicated to providing consumers with natural health products of superior quality, benefit and reliability, has announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership with the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (SCNM).

As part of the formal agreement, the collaboration with UNPA is intended to aid in the advancement of naturopathic medicine and natural health products research, safety and quality, both nationally and internationally.

Founded in 1993, the Tempe, AZ-based college is a premier institution dedicated to the principles of naturopathic medicine and the ideal that everyone deserves high quality healthcare. The innovative organization has been a pioneer in helping to establish a foothold for naturopathic medicine in the U.S. healthcare system.

“The naturopathic profession has long relied on safe and effective natural therapies, including nutritional supplements, botanical extracts and homeopathic drugs,” said Paul Mittman, ND, EdD, president and CEO of SCNM. “The relationship between SCNM and UNPA will foster new opportunities for research to evaluate existing and explore new approaches to improving the public’s health and well-being.”

“We have long been aware of the excellent educational curriculum and the research being conducted at the college, which in May hosted our Arizona state chapter meeting,” said Loren Israelsen, UNPA president. “Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine is working on a number of initiatives that could have a direct and positive impact on our understanding and use of dietary supplements. With its growing influence and reach within the integrative—and increasingly, the mainstream—medical community, SCNM is a natural ally and partner. We are pleased and honored to create a more formal relationship to carry out our mutual objectives.”

SCNM joins a roster of 13 other UNPA MOU and commercial partners. UNPA organizes its key objectives and work plans through these partnerships that bring expertise, influence and trusted reputations. By laying out its joint objectives via an MOU, UNPA is able to serve the needs of its members and its industry stakeholders with greatest effect and efficiency.