Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Maryland, Virginia y the District of Columbia
Find Support Near You
The Lupus Foundation of America National Network consists of chapters, offices, and support groups in communities throughout the United States. With the help of informed volunteers and committed supporters, we:
- Conduct activities to increase awareness of lupus,
- Provide educational programs, support groups and services,
- Rally support for those who are affected by lupus & advocate on their behalf, and
- Raise money to support research and education programs so everyone affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life.
Within our network, you have access to support groups that meet virtually or in person, community-based resources, and referrals to help you find a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Lupus Foundation of America support groups provide a safe and understanding environment where people with lupus can come together to ask questions, listen to others, or lend a helping hand. Please contact the chapter or support group leader prior to attending the first meeting to verify all information. They want to help!
"The Lupus Foundation of America has given me a platform as a support group facilitator to deliver the kind of education and support that I always wanted for myself." - Karen Ng
Don't see a group for you listed below? Check the bottom of the page to find more support options.
Many of our facilitators will be taking a break in July to recharge. However, you will not be without support. The Lupus Foundation of America will host its first National Summer Support Group! Connect with lupus warriors and caregivers across the country to enjoy a relaxing vibe with the sounds of summer on July 20th at 3pm Eastern. During the event, you will have the opportunity to meet others impacted by lupus, share your experience in a breakout session, and have the chance to win giveaways that can support you in your journey.
This group is for those who are living with lupus in the Asian Community.
- Facilitators: Karen Ng, Emily Chew and Catherine Chong
- Meets 3rd Thursday @ 6 - 7:30pm Pacific / 9 – 10:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February – December
Exception: November meeting will meet on 2nd Thursday & no April, July or August meeting
Contact: lfaasiangroup@gmail.com
Additional support groups are offered by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in both Cantonese and English. More information can be found on this flyer.
This group is for those living with lupus to get help in English or Spanish.
- Facilitator: Yvette Salinas
- Meets 4th Saturday @ 12:30 – 1:30pm Pacific / 3:30 – 4:30 Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February – October, no July meeting
Contact: LFAespanolgroup@gmail.com
This is a group for those diagnosed with lupus for 2 years or less, or think they may have lupus.
- Facilitator: Phara Policar
- Meets 4th Saturdays at 10 - 11:30am Pacific / 1 – 2:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November
Contact: LFALupus101@gmail.com
"Thank you so much for having this support group! It was my first time and I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was such a great experience! Not only did I learn a lot from everyone, but I also felt like I was able to contribute and that was huge for me. You foster such a comfortable and supportive environment and it was a really special time. I am looking forward to the next one already." - Bekah Chastain
This is a group for those who are caring for someone living with lupus.
- Facilitators: Kim Harris and Wanda Green
- Meets 1st Saturday @ 9 – 10am Pacific / 12 - 1pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December
Contact: LFAcaregivers@gmail.com
This group is for men who are living with lupus.
- Facilitators: Kevin Vaughn and Andy Palomo
- Meets 4th Tuesday @ 5 - 6:30pm Pacific / 8 – 9:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February – October, no July meeting
Contact: LFAmancave@gmail.com
This is a group for Black women who are living with lupus.
- Facilitators:Hetlena Johnson, Kimberly Burnett, Serita Polinaire, and Stephanie Scoggins
- Meets Meets 3rd Thursday at 4 - 5:15pm Pacific / 7 – 8:15 Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February – October, no July meeting
Contact:LFAsistercircle@gmail.com
This is a group for lupus warriors to be encouraged mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
- Facilitator: Chris Burton
- Meets 3rd Wednesday at 5:30 - 6:30pm Pacific / 8:30 - 9:30 Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
Contact:LFAlupuswarriorwell@gmail.com
This group is for ages 10-21 to connect and talk about their experiences.
- Facilitators: Deborah Kofoed, Gabby Vasquez and Tori Hurd
- Meetings 1st Saturday 10 - 11:30am Pacific / 1 - 2:30 Eastern
- Breakout rooms for ages 10 - 16 and ages 16-21
- Monthly via Zoom: February - November, no July meeting
Contact:LFAyouthgroup@gmail.com
Central/North Alabama
- Facilitators: Latoyia Cottingham and Alicia Debardlabon
- Meets 3rd Wednesday at 11am - 12pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December, no March meeting
Contact: LFAcnalabama@gmail.com
South Alabama
- Faciltator: Evelyn Pelt
- Meets 2nds Thursday at 5:30 - 6:30pm Central
- Monthly in-person: January - November
- Location: Northeast Medical Center, 211 Peter Bryce Building, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Contact: LFAsouthalabama@gmail.com
Tuesday Night Lupus Club
- Facilitator: Rhonda Harris & Jessica Azrin
- Meets Every Tuesday at 6 – 7pm Central except holidays
- Email: LFAlupusclub@gmail.com
Pacific Northwest
- Facilitator: Katie O'Brien
- Meets 3rd Saturdays at 10:30am - 12pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December
Contact:lupusnorthwest@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Pacific Northwest Region supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Alaska, Idaho and Washington.
Central/South Valley
- Facilitator: Toni Grimes
- This is a hybrid group with Zoom - Meets 3rd Saturday at 10:30am - 12:00pm MT/Arizona
- Monthly: January and February (Zoom only); April, May, September and November
EXCEPTION: 2nd Saturday of May - Location: Ability360 Center (Cafe), 5025 E Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Contact:azlupuswarrior@gmail.com
North Valley
- Facilitator: Kristina Miller
- Meets 4th Wednesday at 6pm - 7:30pm MT/Arizona
- Monthly via Zoom: January - May and August - November
EXCEPTION: 5th Wednesday of May and 3rd Wednesday of November
Contact: km@asu.edu
West Valley
- Facilitator: Dr. LaTanya Jones
- Meets 1st Thursday at 6 - 7:30pm MT/Arizona
- Monthly via Zoom: January - May and August - November
Contact: HerStoryOurJourneyLupus@gmail.com
Carson Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Stephanie Scoggins, Marvelle Harris, Danielle Harris, and Mo’Nay ChoChun
- This group meets on Zoom and in-person.
- Meets 1st Thursday at 7 - 8:30pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
- In-person meetings (without Zoom), available at 6:30 - 8:30pm Pacific: May, October, December
- Location: Veterans Park Community Room - 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745
Contact:lfacarsongroup@gmail.com
Chula Vista Lupus Support
- Facilitator: Rosadela Durruthy
- This is a hybrid group with Zoom - Meets 1st Wednesday at 6:30 - 7:30pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October; In-person meetings available in March, May and October
- Location: Chula Vista Library - Otay Ranch Town Center - 2015 Birch Rd #409, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Contact: lfachulavista@gmail.com
Hollywood Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Wanda Green, Cara Nissen and Yvette Salinas
- This is a hybrid group with Zoom - Meets 2nd Thursday at 6 - 7:30pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
- In-person meeting available in August
- Location: LA City College, Student Union Building - 855 Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, VA 90029
Contact: LFAhollywoodgroup@gmail.com
Lupus Active San Diego
This group is for lupus warriors to get outside and enjoy lupus friendly exercise around San Diego.
- Facilitator: Elina Jimenez
- Meets 3rd Sundays at 10-11:30am Pacific
- Quarterly in-person activities: February - September, no May gathering
- In-person locations will be announced at least one week before each activity
Email for details: lfalupusactivesd@gmail.com
Instagram: @sdlupusactive
Pre-Event Meeting Registration
Oakland
- Facilitators: Tracy Wilson and Darcy Nunez
- Meets 3rd Tuesday at 6 - 7:30pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no June
Contact:lfaoaklandgroup@gmail.com
Orange County Lupus Support
- Facilitator: Andy Palomo
- Meets 1st Tuesday at 6 - 7:30pm Pacific
- Bi-monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
Contact: LFAocgroup@gmail.com
Riverside County
- Updates Coming Soon
San Diego County Lupus Support
- Facilitator: Serita Polinaire
- Meets 2nd Tuesday at 6 - 7pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
Contact:lfasdcgroup@gmail.com
Ventura County
- Facilitators: Kristtina Swilling and Lourdes Lopez
- Meets 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 - 8pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
Contact:LFAsvgroup@gmail.com
- Facilitator: Kesha Dan
- Meets 2nd Saturday at 11am - 12pm Mountain
- Monthly in-person and via Zoom: January – October, no August meeting
- Zoom meets and in-person meetings will alternate.
- Location: City of Aurora, First Station 3 Community Room, 3172 Peoria St., Aurora, CO 80010
Contact:LFAcolorado@gmail.com
- Facilitator: April Stanley
- Meets 1st Friday at 7 - 8:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
Contact:LFAconnecticut@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Pennsylvania Deleware Valley supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.
Support for individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in the DMV area can be found on the DMV Find Help page.
Central Florida
- Facilitators: Beverly Minniefield and Valerie Larouche
- Meets 3rd Thursday at 6:30 - 8pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February - November, no July meeting
Contact:LFAcentralflgroup@gmail.com
Lupus Crew (Under 30)
This is a group for those under the age of 30 who are living with lupus.
- Facilitators: Brianna Steidle and Adaobi Ugochukwu
- Meets 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 - 8pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December, no May or June meeting
Contact:LFAlupuscrew@gmail.com
Miami-Dade
- Facilitators: Jeanette Alston-Watkins and Carla Drakes Serrano
- Meets 4th Wednesday at 6:30 - 8pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - October, no November or December meeting
Contact:LFAmiamidade@gmail.com
Polk County
- Facilitator: Beverly Minniefield
- Meets 2nd Monday at 11am - 12:30pm Eastern
- Monthly In-person: February - December, no August meeting
- Location: Holiday Inn Express Lake Wales N-Winter Haven at 2953 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, FL 33859
Contact: LFApcgroup@gmail.com
Southeast Florida Region, Virtual Support
- Facilitator: Stacey Interlandi
- Meets 3rd Thursday at 6:30 - 8pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December
Contact: LFAseflvirtual@gmail.com
West Florida
- Facilitators: Karen Barkevich and Harvey Mackler
- Meets 2nd Satruday at 12:30 - 2pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November, no December meeting
Contact:LFAwestfl@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Georgia Chapter supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Georgia.
Pacific Northwest
- Facilitator: Katie O'Brien
- Meets 3rd Saturdays at 10:30am - 12pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November
Contact:lupusnorthwest@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Pacific Northwest Region supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Alaska, Idaho and Washington.
Carmel
- Facilitators: Debbie Jirgal and Laurie Palmetier
- This is a hybrid meeting - Meets 3rd Tuesdays at 7 – 8:30pm Eastern
- In person only during April - September; Other meetings are in-person with Zoom link.
- Location: Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (Family Room) - 10655 Haverstick Rd, Carmel, IN 46033
Contact: Carmel-Lupus@googlegroups.com
Group Kansas City Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Curtisha Anderson, Karen Holliday, and Cheryl Hicks
- Meets 3rd Friday at 7 - 8:30pm Mountain
- Monthly In-person: January - December
- Location: Abundant Life Church 2715 N 83rd Street Kansas City, KS 66109
Contact: kclupusgroup@gmail.com
Tuesday Night Lupus Club
- Facilitators: Rhonda Harris and Jessica Azrin
- Meets every Tuesday at 6 - 7pm Central, except holidays
Contact:LFAlupusclub@gmail.com
New! Louisiana Support
- Facilitator: Jonee’ Williams
- Meets 1st Saturday at 12 - 1pm Central
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November; no meeting in July and December
Email: LFAlouisiana@gmail.com
- Facilitators: Kevin Tucker, Lois Gantz and Schonette Walker
- Meets 3rd Saturday at 10am - 12pm Eastern
- Montly via Zoom: January - December
Contact:LFAmaryland@gmail.com
Support for individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in the DMV area can be found on the DMV Find Help page.
Lupus Lights New England Support
- Facilitators: Kelle Keefe, Dawn Peters and Kristi Ericson
- Meets 4th Wednesday at 7 - 8pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November
Contact:lupuslightsne@gmail.com
- Facilitators: Simone Greenleaf and Renee Kostner
- Meets 2nd Tuesday at 7 - 8pm Central
- Monthly via Zoom: Febraury - October, no July meeting
Contact:LFAmngroup@gmail.com
St. Louis Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Patricia Dees, Kendra Brooks, Marshala Bernaugh
- Meets 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 – 8:00pm - Monthly in-person: January - December
- Location: Brentwood Community Center 2505 S. Brentwood Blvd. Brentwood, MO 63144 Room B-1
Contact: stllupusgroup@gmail.com
Pacific Northwest
- Facilitator: Katie O'Brien
- Meets 3rd Saturdays at 10:30am - 12pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November
Contact:lupusnorthwest@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Pacific Northwest Region supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Alaska, Idaho and Washington.
- Facilitators: Charlotte Diakite, Melissa Sohayda, and Larrie Graham
- Meets 2nd Saturday at 11am – 12:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December, no meeting June, July or August
Contact:LFAnjgroup@gmail.com
Duchess County
- Facilitator: Denise Walters
- Meets 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 - 8pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: February - October, no July meeting
Contact: LFAdutchesscounty@gmail.com
Manhattan - NYC Warriors
- Facilitator: Phara Policar
- Meets 2nd Mondays at 6 - 7:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November, no August meeting
Contact: nyclupuswarriors@gmail.com
Email to obtain Zoom link
The Lupus Foundation of America North Carolina Chapter supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in North Carolina.
The Lupus Foundation of America Greater Ohio Chapter supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Ohio.
- Facilitator: Becky Bard
- Meets 3rd Wednesday at 12 - 1pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: January - October, no meeting July
Contact:LFAoregongroup@gmail.com
Circle of Hope Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Jeanne Washington-Jackson and Lynnai Jay
- Meets 2nd Saturday at 12-2pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom - January - December, no August meeting
Contact: tristatelupuswarrior@gmail.com
Delaware County Telechat Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Janice Gardner and Mary Jane McNamee
- Meets 1st Saturday at 1st Saturday at 10:40 - 11:40am Eastern - Monthly via Conference Call
- Conference Call Line: (844) 844-0414 - Access Code: 331310
- NOTE: January - December, no July call
Contact: LFAdelawarecounty@gmail.com
Living with Lupus in the Poconos
- Facilitator: Harleyann Lunt
- Meets 2nd Saturday at 11am - 12pm Eastern
- Bi-Monthly via Zoom: January - December
Contact: LFApoconosgroup@gmail.com
The Lupus Line
- Facilitators: Lynnai Jay, Julie Ann Evans
- Meets 2nd Thursday at 7:30 - 8:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Conference Call: January – December
- Calling from Land Line: (844) 844-0414 - Access code: 331310
- Calling from Cell Phone: (605) 472-5491 - Access code: 331310
Contact: lupustristatetelechat@gmail.com
NEW! Pittsburgh Lupus Support
- Facilitator: Jaime Miller
- Meets 4th Mondays at 6 – 7:45pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom (with two in-person meetings): January - November, no August or December meeting
- In-person location: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - East Liberty, 130 S. Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh PA 1520
Contact: LFApittsburgh@gmail.com
Thriving Warriors Lupus Support
- Facilitators: Carlene Kirpatrick, Tonya Hinton-Greene and Nikki Santiago
- Meets 3rd Tuesday at 6 - 7:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom (with two in-person meetings): January - November, no August or December meeting
- In-person: July 16 and September 17
- NOTE: In-person meetings will be held at 5:30 - 7pm Eastern
- Location: The Discovery Center, Conference Room at 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Contact:LFAtempleturnup@gmail.com
This group is a combination of several local groups under one umbrella.
- Facilitators: Mia Barron, Madlyn Griffin and Hetlena Johnson
- Meets 4th Saturday, alternating:
- In-person at 11am - 1pm Eastern
- Virtually via Zoom at 11am - 12:30pm Eastern
- Monthly: January - November, no meeting in May, October or December
- Locations vary; email facilitators to confirm
Contact:LFAsclupusgroups@gmail.com
New! Tennessee Lupus Support
- Facilitator: Katina Williams
- Meets 1st Wednesdays at 6 - 7:30pm Central
- Monthly via Zoom - January - November; no meeting in July and December.
Email: lfaheallupusgroup@gmail.com
Support for individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Texas can be found here:
- North, central and west Texas - Lone Star Chapter
- Houston, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Harlingen and surrounding areas in Texas - Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
Utah County
- Facilitators: Andrea Reading and Amy Poole
- Meets 3rd Thursday each month at 6:30 - 8pm Mountain
- Monthly in-person: January - December
- Location: Leatherby's Family Creamery - 304 E University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058
Contact: Amy at amypoole@gmail.com
Alexandria
- Facilitator: Devyn Mitchell
- Meets 3rd Tuesdays @ 7 - 8:30pm Eastern
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December
Contact: devyn_2004@yahoo.com
Southwest Virginia Lupus Support
- Facilitator: Tina Wagner and Alyshia Merchant
- Meets 2nd Thursday at 7 - 8:30 pm pm Eastern
- Monthly - via Zoom - January - October
Email: LFAswvagroup@gmail.com
Seattle/Pacific Northwest
- Facilitator: Katie O'Brien
- Meets 3rd Saturdays at 10:30am - 12pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: January - December
Contact:lupusnorthwest@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Pacific Northwest Region supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.
The Lupus Foundation of America Wisconsin Chapter supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Wisconsin.
Pacific Northwest
- Facilitator: Katie O'Brien
- Meets 3rd Saturdays at 10:30am - 12pm Pacific
- Monthly via Zoom: January - November
Contact:lupusnorthwest@gmail.com
The Lupus Foundation of America Pacific Northwest Region supports individuals living with lupus and lupus advocates in Alaska, Idaho and Washington.
Can't find a group for you on this page?
Don't worry! This page is a list of the groups managed by the Lupus Foundation of America. There are plenty of options for you. Here's what we can suggest:
- Join LupusConnect, an online community where people with lupus and their loved ones can talk with others and find support.
- Check one of the states above for virtual support groups. All are welcome!
- Your local hospitals and non-profit organizations may also offer support you can access. Search the internet by typing words like "chronic disease management," "autoimmune disease management" or "lupus support groups."
- If you're looking to start a support group through LFA, send an email to Wendy Rodgers to find out more about the requirements and training.