Maybe you didn't know anything
about lupus. If you had
known, you would have recognized the signs and
symptoms. Perhaps you feel
alone. Don't. There are many who share experience in
their diaries so others may
understand. There are ways to speak out. People need to know the
simple facts about
lupus. The most important fact is that there is hope.
The Lupus
Foundation of America has launched a new national lupus public
awareness campaign. The objectives of this new campaign are to help the public understand
lupus and its health effects, and to help people at risk for lupus identify early warning
signs of the disease so they can ask their doctor for a medical evaluation. The campaign
includes radio and television public service announcements in both English and Spanish.
Multi-language print, outdoor, transit and Internet advertisements are also included.
The campaign's website, Could I Have Lupus?, features information about lupus symptoms,
diagnosis and treatment, links to resources, and stories from women who are living with lupus.
The LFA and its nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters,
affiliates and support groups will promote the campaign through outreach efforts to local
media outlets. The LFA has expanded its online resources to include an
interactive tool
and symptom checklist, launched a new education series of
booklets and fact sheets, and enhanced its network of health educators to
meet an expected increase in the number of people seeking information and services in response
to the campaign. Through this campaign, let's hope lupus will get the attention it needs and
deserves.