Immediate Release

Media Contact: 

Adjoa Kyerematen

akyerematen at nmqf.org

202-220-8505

Washington D.C. (May 5, 2025) — In recognition of Lupus Awareness Month, the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is proud to announce the launch of its Beyond Lupus campaign—an urgent initiative to raise awareness among Black  women ages 21 to 45 about the complexities, unknowns, and disparities surrounding lupus. As part of this effort, NMQF is also releasing a suite of culturally relevant lupus education materials designed to empower patients and communities often left out of the conversation.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans, disproportionately impacting Black women, who are three times more likely to develop the disease compared to white women. Lupus is a complex and often misunderstood disease, with symptoms that differ from person to person and can affect nearly every part of the body. 

“To truly understand and treat this disease, we must ensure that research reflects the people most affected” said Adjoa Kyerematen, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. “No two cases of lupus are the same, and that complexity can be terrifying for patients, especially those navigating a healthcare system that too often ignores or minimizes their pain. Through Beyond Lupus, we want women to know that they are not alone, their symptoms are real, and they deserve answers and action.”

NMQF’s Beyond Lupus campaign aims to close the awareness gap and build a new narrative—one rooted in visibility, validation, and empowerment. This includes grassroots engagement, digital outreach, storytelling from lived experiences, and public education about the warning signs, risk factors, and importance of early diagnosis.

Complementing the campaign is NMQF’s new lupus empowerment toolkit, which features:

• Easy-to-understand guides on symptom recognition and what to expect in the diagnostic process
• Resources on fertility and family planning for women living with lupus
• Information about clinical trial participation and why it matters for people of color
• Tips for self-advocacy and navigating medical appointments with confidence

NMQF’s new lupus empowerment toolkit includes easy-to-understand guides on symptom recognition, fertility and family planning, clinical trial participation, and self-advocacy after diagnosis. The materials aim to break down complex information, build trust, and encourage patients to engage actively in their health decisions and consider clinical trials as a pathway to better treatments and a more equitable healthcare future.

Despite the disease’s far-reaching impact, lupus research remains critically underfunded. NMQF is sounding the alarm on proposed federal funding cuts that threaten progress in treatment innovation, clinical trial diversity, and health equity.

All campaign materials and resources are available for free at [insert webpage link] and will be distributed through trusted community organizations, faith networks, HBCUs, healthcare providers, and digital platforms targeting multicultural audiences.

All materials are available for free at https://qr1.be/91MA and will be distributed through community organizations, healthcare providers, and digital platforms.

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About the National Minority Quality Forum

Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a United States-based, health care research, education and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity by assuring optimal care for all. The mission is to reduce patient risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, disabilities, and death, while also promoting high-quality, long lives, particularly for the most vulnerable. NMQF utilizes data and research to support and mobilize healthcare organizations, leaders, policymakers, and patients in advocating for optimal care for every individual, especially those in minoritized communities. For more information, please visit http://www.nmqf.org.