Programs: The lupus foundation of minnesota ("the foundation")is dedicated to realizing our mission of a world without lupus. Our mission is focused on working toward finding a cure, supporting those impacted by lupus, and promoting a deeper understanding of the disease. Program efforts in 2014 were aimed at improving the quality of life for people with lupus by providing direct education and emotional support to individuals and their families/supporters. This was accomplished through numerous educational programs and supportive services which were offered to the community, providing a wide range of opportunities to access information and resources and connect with others living with or interested in lupus, including: -11 statewide community-based health events, which provided information and education to 1,650 individuals with lupus, their supporters, and community members. -553 individuals received support, consultation, information, and referrals to community resources in connection to living with lupus or knowing someone who lives with the disease. 60 of these participants were new to lfm. -35 community outreach activities, which provided information and education to 825 individuals. -6 workshops were facilitated by lfm staff, which provided information and education to 133 individual community members. -20 community connection programs were facilitated by community practitioners, which engaged 59 people living with lupus and their supporters. -3 webinars occurred, which provided research advancements and clinical updates about lupus to 46 individuals. -lfm employees, ambassadors and spokespeople made television appearances or participated in a radio interview in order to increase public awareness of lupus. Specifically, television appearances took place at kare 11, wcco, and fox 9 in the twin cities; and a television appearance at wdio, plus a radio interview on mix108 fm took place in duluth. Broad public awareness efforts were diverse and extensive with 13,256 individuals receiving information about lupus via lfm-produced e-newsletters, social media, and videos, distributing 123,608 total educational communications via electronic mediums. 3,883 households received the annual printed edition of the lupus newsletter with education about disease management and research updates. 2. 5 million written communications consisting of a call-to-action were distributed via mailed postcards and other avenues, which included information on common signs and symptoms of lupus. A total of 176 lfm volunteers raised public awareness and shared their lupus stories through a variety of community partnership opportunities and events reaching: 65,000-75,000 listeners via kfan 100. 3 fm's annual 24-hour on-air marathon; 165,000 edina art fair participants; and over 10,000 event attendees at midwest comic book association events. Lfm supporters organized 6 individual events to raise awareness about lupus reaching an estimated 930 additional individuals with personal stories, lupus facts, and information.
in the spirit of the lupus foundation of minnesota's vision of "a world without lupus," in 2014, the organization supported clinical researchers and lupus research fellowships working on innovations aimed at improved treatments and finding a cure. Grants totaling $135,537 were awarded to institutions, including the university of minnesota and the mayo clinic.
