LSA SERVICES |
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LSA Support and Advocacy Services
Feel free to contact us if you would like someone to talk to (by phone or one-to-one) about lupus related issues. We're here to:
- listen, provide support and counseling
- provide information about strategies for coping with lupus, such as stress reduction, lifestyle changes, and self-advocacy
- help assess your current situation and suggest appropriate community programs and services, such as home care help, Meals on Wheels, counseling, yoga programs, self-help options, etc.
- make referrals for services in your community
- develop programs as needed to offer in your area
- help you develop a support group in your community
- help you to advocate on your behalf to influence public-policy and resource allocation
- assist you in completing disability benefit program applications
Telephone Peer Support
If you would like, we can match you with a 'Volunteer Telephone Peer Supporter'. This is someone who has had lupus for a while and would be happy to listen to your concerns and share what he/she has learned about living well with lupus.
Information Packages
The Lupus Society of Alberta provides information packages to interested individuals who wish to learn more about lupus.
The standard package contains:
- good basic information about lupus in the form of booklets and handouts from the Lupus Foundation of America
- the latest edition of the Lupus Courier newsletter
- a Lupus Society of Alberta brochure
- a list of the books, articles, brochures and videos available to borrow or buy through the LSA
- a Membership / Donations Form
Due to the cost, we limit this information package to one per client for residents of Alberta. For those outside of the province, please contact your local society for information.
Contact the Lupus Society of Alberta today to receive your Info Pack in the mail.
Quarterly Newsletter Publication
Visit the 'Newsletter' page to learn more about the newsletter and how you can receive a copy.
LSA Library
We have a library set up in our LSA office in Calgary. The focus of our materials is on lupus, lifestyle, and coping skills. Included in the library are articles and magazines from various organizations, books, and videos (See: list of library holdings).
These materials may be viewed at the LSA office or borrowed for a period of up to three weeks. You are welcome to take advantage of this resource - so come on down and browse.
LSA Bookstore
In addition to the Library holdings, we also have a number of lupus related books for sale. Please contact us if you wish to purchase any of the books available from our bookstore. (See: list of books for sale).
Research Initiatives
Visit the 'Research' page to find out how we support Alberta / Canada research activities.
Public Lupus Awareness and Education Initiatives
We carry out a variety of public awareness and education initiatives throughout the province. For example, with the 'Understanding Lupus Program' we can provide information or visit your community to deliver a lupus information session tailored to your needs. All it takes is a phone call! Visit the 'Events' page to keep up to date with the LSA public awareness and education activities.
The LSA 'At-Risk Populations' Lupus Awareness and Education Programs
The LSA has taken an active interest in supporting those people in Alberta who are at higher risk for developing lupus. The incidence of lupus is higher in Asian, North America Aboriginal, Black, and Hispanic populations. It also appears that lupus can develop at an earlier age and be more severe in members of these ethnic groups. With the 'Understanding Lupus Program' we can provide information or visit your community to deliver a lupus information session tailored to your needs. All it takes is a phone call!
Lupus in the Alberta Aboriginal Population
The incidence of lupus is about two times higher in Canadian Aboriginal people than in the Caucasian population. According to Statistics Canada, there are 188,365 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit living in Alberta and 61% of these are off-reserve urban dwellers. There are 45 First Nations in Alberta in three treaty areas - Treaty 6, 7 and 8 - with 133 reserves.
The following video, Experiences With Indigenous Peoples in Canada, is from the 9th International Congress on SLE which was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 2010. It gives some insight into the particular types of issues facing Aboriginal people with lupus.
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