| What: |
Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat) is a peer health education program staffed by trained volunteers who are lupus veterans, with an emphasis on reaching Spanish speaking communities. All of the services offered are provided in both English and Spanish. The program is available on-site at several area hospitals, as well as by phone. In addition, volunteers participate in community presentations and health fairs. The program also sponsors a monthly Chat Group for teens with lupus and their parents.
Download For Inquiring Teens With Lupus: Our Thoughts, Issues, & Concerns (pdf file), a 20-page booklet written by a young woman diagnosed with lupus as a teen. This booklet takes into account some of the specific issues, both medical and psychosocial, relevant to adolescents who are living with lupus. A list of resources for teens with lupus is also included.
Available in English or Chinese below.
 
English (pdf) Chinese (pdf)
Spanish (pdf)
|
| When: |
We encourage new callers to contact the Program Associates between 9am and 5pm EST weekdays. After a telephone screening, you will be matched with a trained volunteer, who also has lupus or is a family member of someone with lupus. This volunteer can provide education and support over the telephone at a mutually convenient time (including evening/weekend hours).
|
| Contact: |
Erica Sandoval and Lillian Mendez, Program Associates
(212) 606-1958
(866) 812-4494, outside NYC (toll-free)
sandovale@hss.edu, mendezl@hss.edu |
VOLUNTEERS ALSO NEEDED! In addition, we are always seeking volunteers (ages 18 and older) to help our programs grow. Participants find the training and volunteer experience extremely rewarding. If you live in the New York metropolitan area, we encourage you to contact the Program Associates listed above for more information.
Charla de Lupus, offered by Hospital for Special Surgery, is made possible through funding by Rheuminations, Inc.
What Users Have Said About the Program
"It's really amazing to be able to pick up the phone and get instant help - no cost, no bureaucracy."
- Sharon Johnson
"El hablar con una consejera me ayudo a sentirme menos deprimida."
- Suzanne Rodrigues
"It gives me a lot of joy to know that this person is being helped and that I'm helping them."
- Damaris Rodriguez
Charla de Lupus Peer Health Education
