Lupus Link Minnesota

Programs: Research - lupus link minnesota funds research and researchers to find a cure and more effective treatments for people living with lupus. Lupus link minnesota provides undergraduates interested in basic or clinical research an opportunity to work with an established faculty researcher at various institutions, through its student summer fellowship program. In 2017, lupus link funded five summer student fellows from the mayo clinic and the university of minnesota. Three fellows worked under the direction of dr. Niewold at the mayo clinic and two fellows worked under the direction of dr. Mueller at the university of minnesota. A total of $22,500 in funding was provided in 2017 to support these student fellows. In august, all five students presented the findings from their research and information about their findings and experiences as student fellows. The findings were promoted and shared through our communication channels.

awareness - communications and outreach activities help lupus link minnesota raise awareness of and educate the community around lupus and autoimmune diseases. In 2017, staff worked to develop a new website and established social media channels. In september 2017, lupus link minnesota publicly launched its brand and website and from there developed and implemented a communications campaign. Two e-newsletters "the link" were sent to over 8,000 email recipients, and included pieces educating the community about lupus and raising awareness and the need for research to advance intervention and ultimately find a cure. Lupus link minnesota milestones were also shared, including announcements of lupus link minnesota funded research. Social media channels were used to share tips, resources and information to those living with lupus along with the larger community. Board and staff engaged in public speaking events to various audiences. In addition, our fundraising events, the great . 8 walk and direct mail pieces were leveraged to educate and raise awareness.

education - the first 7 months of the organization included efforts to reach out to the lupus community to assess needs around education through one-on-one conversations with key individuals (those living with lupus, working in the field, or involved in past lupus-related efforts). The information gleaned from these conversations was used by staff and board help establish programmatic priorities. "living with lupus" fact sheets were developed and made available through our communication channels. Staff worked to develop and submit several grant proposals for a "living with lupus" educational series. Staff and board also connected to other autoimmune related groups (sjogren's and scleroderma) to explore collaborative opportunities and lupus link worked to promote activities for these groups on its website. Board members, those living with lupus, and other experts provided educational articles to be included in the e-newsletters.