Lupus Awareness

Sponsor Organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health
Campaign Website:  www.couldihavelupus.gov
Volunteer Agency: Muse Communications

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can last for many years. It can be life-threatening and damage any part of the body, including skin, joints or organs. Individuals with the disease can experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, hair loss, painful or swollen joints, fever, skin rashes and kidney problems.

The cause of lupus is unknown. The disease triggers the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy healthy cells and tissue as if they were viruses, bacteria and other germs. Ninety percent of individuals who have been diagnosed with lupus are women of childbearing age (18-44). It is three times more common among minority women than in Caucasian women. There is no cure for lupus however; it can be managed if detected early. In particular, minority women must be educated about the disease and its symptoms. If they suspect they have lupus, they should then ask their doctors for a medical evaluation.   

The new PSAs feature real women who have lupus. They portray women who have symptoms that might be related to lupus but these women have not yet asked their doctors the most important question, “Could I have lupus?” The PSAs conclude with the tagline, “For answers. For support. For hope.”

The campaign encourages women to visit www.couldihavelupus.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-994-9662. By visiting the website or calling this phone number, women can learn more about this disease, its symptoms and local resources they can contact. They can also upload their personal stories, post comments and create a much-needed communal dialogue about lupus.     

The Office on Women's Health (OWH) was established in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its Vision is to ensure that "All Women and Girls are Healthier and Have a Better Sense of Well Being." Its mission is to "provide leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through sex/gender-specific approaches." The strategy OWH uses to achieve its mission and vision is through the development of innovative programs, by educating health professionals, and motivating behavior change in consumers through the dissemination of health information.