LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, GREATER OHIO CHAPTER, INC

The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education and advocacy. The organization will advance the science and medicine of lupus to find a cure and improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter focuses on research, advocacy and education. We host annual walks throughout Ohio to raise funds for lupus research, provide multiple monthly support groups and new patient education classes throughout Ohio and hold a variety of events and fundraisers. It is vital that the patient receives the latest and most accurate information about lupus. This mysterious disease is difficult to diagnosis and to treat. Together we strive to constantly ensure that there is an arsenal of clinicians and new treatments to take on the enormous task of treating this cruel disease that impacts mostly women and women of color worst.

The journey with lupus is complex and often lonely and misunderstood. It does not have to be. Together we can have a better quality of life. We are here for education, awareness, support and resources until the cause or cure is found.

Unfortunately we are a grassroots organization that needs much more in the area of support and resources to truly fight the enormous fight. The funding for lupus is minimal compared to other diseases. Lupus does not get the funding that it deserves. We do our best to meet the needs of our constituents but much more needs to be done.

Until the public knows lupus we will struggle in getting to there being NO LUPUS.

We have a small, dedicated and passionate staff that take huge leaps everyday to meet the demands placed upon them. Most have lupus themselves. It is important to them to be here to make a difference.

Here in the state of Ohio we were able to work with the Ohio Department of Health in doing the first ever in the state, The Ohio Lupus Needs Assessment. This project is a road map for the direction needed to be successful at meeting the needs of those who serve the patient as well as the patient.

From this direction we have succeeded at education over 600 clinicians in Ohio about lupus. They earned CME's and CEU's. The goal was to provide a tool kit to be on the look out for lupus and how to best treat it. This project also allowed us to create much needed community partners across the state to help us create awareness about lupus. This year we succeed in educating patients and their families about lupus at our various educational summits across the state.

Our digital footprint has grown into the thousands and our in person direct support is in the hundreds.

Our state and national advocacy efforts are the driving force towards advancements on the treatment and cure of lupus.

We are building a community that cares about lupus and together we support each other so that no one does this journey alone.