Lupus Caucus in the U.S. Congress

A bi-partisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives last week announced the formation of a Congressional Lupus Caucus aimed at ensuring that all Members of Congress are armed with the understanding of the impact of lupus on individuals and their families, and actively support the advancement of lupus research and increased awareness of lupus among the public and health professionals.

The caucus is co-chaired by Representatives Thomas J. Ronney (R-FL), Bill Keating (D-MA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Jim Moran (D-VA).  It has 10 other caucus members composed of both Republicans and Democrats.

Speaking on behalf of the Lupus Research Institute  (LRI) and its National Coalition of lupus patient advocacy organizations -- including the Lupus Foundation of Northern California -- LRI President and CEO Margaret Dowd applauded these Members of Congress for "coming together on a bipartisan basis to raise awareness of the tremendous needs in lupus."

 MORE on the LRI statement.

In the state of California, LFNC and its partner organizations, Lupus LA and the Lupus Foundation of Southern California, have also been working closely with the state Senate and Assembly to promote greater lupus awareness among all Californians through the proclamation of May as Lupus Awareness Month, among other things.