With nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups in 32 states, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation's leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. Our mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and find the causes and cure. Research, education, and patient services are at the heart of LFA's programs.
The LFA energetically pursues its mission through the following five program objectives:
- Provides direct financial support to researchers through LFA's Five-Year Research Support Program.
- Advocates increased public and private sector support for biomedical research on lupus.
- Translates research findings into medically-sound information and programs for physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Heightens public awareness of the causes and consequences of lupus.
- Supports individuals with lupus, their families and caregivers.
LFA's Leadership Role
As the field's national leader, the LFA plays a key role in bringing together all stakeholders -including researchers, clinicians, government officials, industry leaders, and other national partnering organizations - to focus national attention on lupus and its impact, stimulate additional public and private-sector investment in research, and provide support and hope to individuals and families who are directly and indirectly impacted by lupus. The LFA Board of Directors has established a wide-ranging strategic plan aimed at advancing lupus as a significant national and international public health issue.
Research
It has been nearly 40 years since a new drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for lupus. The LFA is working to bring down barriers that have obstructed progress on this disease. To help accomplish this important goal, the LFA launched a Five-Year Research Support Program to advance biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, behavioral and translational research that will help accelerate the pace of medical discovery in lupus with a goal of making clinical trials more feasible. Working with policy makers and industry leaders, the LFA seeks to expand public funding for research and encourage pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to make substantive investments to develop safer and more effective treatments.
Education and Information
More than half of all people with lupus suffer four or more years and visit three or more doctors before obtaining a diagnosis of lupus. The LFA seeks to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus by providing the latest medically-sound information through programs of patient education, professional education, and public awareness. Working with lupus experts worldwide, the LFA provides information through a variety of methods, including its award-winning national magazine Lupus Now®, a critically-acclaimed website, continuing medical education programs for physicians and other health professionals, national awareness campaigns, peer-reviewed brochures and publications, as well as through support group meetings, educational seminars and medical conferences.
Public Policy
The greatest sources of funding for lupus research are the federal government and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. With the support of the LFA's nationwide network of patients, families, physicians, researchers, and other national partners, the LFA advocates on the federal and state levels for increased public funding for research, expanded services to meet the critical needs of people with lupus, and public policies that stimulate additional private investment in medical research on lupus. Public funding for lupus research and patient services is critically important. The LFA represents all Americans with lupus, from state capitols to the halls of Congress.
National Network
An estimated 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus, and millions more are indirectly affected by the physical, social, and economic impact of the disease. The LFA is building the capacity of its nationwide network of chapters, branches and support groups to provide expanded education and outreach services to individuals at risk for lupus, their families, and their healthcare providers. The LFA is building partnerships with other national organizations and international lupus groups to increase public awareness and understanding of lupus.
Board of Directors
Medical-Scientific Advisory Council
Job Openings and Internships
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Donor Support
The LFA is a tax-exempt charitable organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions under IRS Code Section 501 (c) (3). (Federal ID #43-1131436).
Updated 7-21-2006
