Lupus Foundation of America Inc

Mission The Lupus Foundation of America Inc. is the Nations leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to Lupus. Our mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of Lupus amoung health professionals and the public, and the causes and cure. Community outreach and public awareness The goal of the program is to increase knowledge about Lupus amoung the professional and lay public. The program has four main components including 1 Distribution of nationally approved education materials at various community health and workplace events 2 Distribution of a quarterly newsletter and the nationally circulated LFA magazine, Lupus Now 3 Faciliation of educational seminars, workshops and lecture professionals on topics pertaining to Lupus and 4 Reaching the public through various media outlets including PASs. On average, the organization provides educational services to more than 600 chapter members and more than 3,700 Lupus patients. The organization handles approximatelly 650 information and referral calls on an annual basis and distributes approximatelly 13,000 broschures and fact sheets annually. The organization utilizes and estimated 100 volunteers annyally for this program.

Direct patient services The goal of the direct services program is to provide support and advocacy to those living with Lupus. The chapter provides the following services 1 Financial assistance for laboratory testing, medications specific to Lupus treatment and emergency medical assistance 2 Physician referral service with Board Certified Rheumatologists and dermatologists for Lupus patients seeking physicians 3 a listing of other helpful agencies and community resources is also available and 4 Teen activity group in support of teens living with ALupus and several adult support groups for Lupus patients to share experiences, network and learn coping strategies. The organization services on average between 200 and 250 Lupus patients annually through our direct patient services program.