Lupus Advocates Seek Increased Federal Response to Life-Changing, Life-Threatening Disease Affecting 1.5 Million...(ars for the first-ever comprehensive nat...),Health

epidemiological study on lupus;

-- opening new sources of federal funding for biomedical research on

lupus;

-- obtaining changes in draft Social Security Disability regulations which

will enable more people disabled by lupus to receive benefits;

-- securing changes to regulations governing the Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug Benefit to pay for prescription drugs required to

treat lupus;

-- partnering with various agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services to increase public recognition of the serious

consequences of lupus.

During LFA's 2008 Advocacy Day, advocates will urge lawmakers to support the Lupus Research, Education, Awareness, Communications, and Healthcare (REACH) Amendments Act (H.R. 1192 and S. 1359). The legislation, introduced by Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) in the House and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) in the Senate, when enacted will further federal efforts to combat lupus, address gaps in research, and heighten awareness of lupus symptoms and health effects among the public and health professionals.

About the Lupus Foundation of America

The LFA is the foremost national nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services and hope to all people affected by lupus. Founded in 1977, the LFA has a nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters and support groups and operates programs of research, education and advocacy. For more information about the lupus and LFA, go online to http://www.lupus.org or call toll-free 1-888-38-LUPUS to request a free brochure.