Lupus Foundation of America

Mission: the Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's 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 the Lupus among health professionals and the pubilc, and the causes and cure. Community outreach and public awareness: the goal of the program is to increase knowledge about Lupus among the professional and lay public. The program has four main components including: (1) distribution of nationally approved educational materials at various community health fairs and workplace events; (2) distribution of a quarterly newsletter and the nationally circulated lfa magazine, "Lupus now-; (3) facilitation of educational seminars, workshops and lecture professionals on topics pertaining to Lupus; and (4) reaching public through various media outlets including psa's. On average, the organization provides educational services to more than 600 chapter members and more than 3,700 Lupus patients. The organization handles approximately 650 information and referral calls on an annual basis and distributes approximately 13,000 brochures and fact sheets annually. The organization utilizes an estimated 100 volunteers annually for this program

National affiliiation and research: the chapter maintains membership with the national Lupus Foundation of America to gain access to national programs, services and materials for distribution. This includes support of local and national Lupus research

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 Lupus 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