Lupus Society of Alberta

The Lupus Society of Alberta (LSA) is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing education, support, and resources to people affected by lupus and lupus-related issues. Established in 1973, it is one of the earliest lupus organizations in the world and operates primarily within the province of Alberta.

History and Mission

Founded in 1973, the Lupus Society of Alberta was created to offer education and support services to individuals living with lupus, their families, and the broader community. Its mission is to provide education and support on lupus and lupus-related issues, to enable and encourage research aimed at improving quality of life for those affected by the disease, and to raise public awareness about lupus.

Activities and Services

The organization offers a range of services including:

• One-on-one telephone and in-person peer support for patients and families.
• Public awareness campaigns and educational programs such as the Lupus Lending Library.
• Distribution of educational materials including an annual print newsletter (Lupus Courier) and regular electronic updates (E-Courier).
• Organizing educational events like "Education Days" to inform patients, healthcare professionals, and the public.
• Advocacy efforts to influence public policy and resource allocation relevant to lupus care and research.
• Promotion and support of lupus research initiatives.

LSA also hosts community events such as awareness walks, for example, the annual "Step Out" walk held in Calgary and Edmonton, to engage the public and fundraise for lupus-related programs.

Vision

The Lupus Society of Alberta envisions a future where education and empowerment improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with lupus. By fostering community involvement and promoting lupus research, the society aims to enhance understanding and support for this chronic autoimmune disorder.

Organizational Status

The Lupus Society of Alberta is a registered charity in Canada, recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency with the business registration number 119243343RR0001. It complies with charitable regulations and maintains an active presence in supporting the lupus community through various programs and services.

Lupus Overview

Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects connective tissues and can impact various organs and systems in the body. The Lupus Society of Alberta is committed to educating the public and health professionals about the nature of lupus to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for patients.

This article summarizes the foundational information, mission, services, and impact of the Lupus Society of Alberta based on available data as of 2025[1][2][3][4].