The School Health Outreach Project (SHOP), a project of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), is collaborating with the NACDD to disseminate activities and raise awareness among healthcare providers of lupus signs and symptoms and what to do if lupus is suspected in students.

Racial/ethnic minorities have higher prevalence of lupus, more severe symptoms, and a higher mortality rate. Ninety percent of people living with lupus are women between the ages of 15-45. This program allows nurses who work with students in grades K-12 to be trained by a rheumatologist and engage in critical conversations about how they can best help their students and their families if lupus is suspected. Additionally, a Lupus Care Plan and Pediatric to Adult Transition Plan are tangible tools that nurses receive and can utilize in their work.

This year the project will be working with organizations in Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, Louisiana, and Illinois. Find out more about the project, resources, and how you can get involved in the future by visiting: thelupusinitiative.org/healthcare-providers/schoolnurses.