April 24, 2020
Lupus LA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of our lupus patients. We know that many in our community are struggling to find support and resources during this unprecedented time, and want to share the following free resources to help lupus patients navigate challenges during quarantine.
If you are a lupus patient and you are having trouble accessing resources, or are in need of support, please contact our team at info@lupusla.org. We are here for you.
WHEN YOU NEED SUPPORT & CONNECTION:
Lupus LA Online Support Groups
Lupus LA’s support groups are here to help you learn more about lupus and how to cope with managing the illness. Our support groups are free and open to the public. We are currently offering virtual support groups via Zoom so people can still connect and receive support from home. All are welcome to join. Please join us at one of the following groups: https://lupusla.org/new-digital-support-groups-march-april-2020/
WHEN YOU NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Emergency Grant Program
Lupus LA offers financial help to people diagnosed with lupus undergoing particularly trying times. Please click here for more information and to learn more about the grant guidelines: https://lupusla.org/patient-services/emergency-grants/
WHEN YOU NEED TO FIND LOCAL RESOURCES:
211 LA
211 is a great source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services. They can help locate food resources, housing resources, mental health resources, or any and all human services. 211 is a national service, is available anywhere and they can help you locate local resources. Simply dial the 2-1-1 phone line to connect to trained Community Resource Advisors prepared to offer help with any situation, any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For help, call 211 or visit their website at: https://www.211la.org/
WHEN YOU NEED HELP WITH INSURANCE:
Covered California
Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with health insurance options under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. You may qualify for a discount on a health plan through Covered California, or get health insurance through the state’s Medi-Cal program. They can help you find health insurance coverage and let you know what financial programs you qualify for. They also offer services in many different languages.
You can call them directly at 1-800-300-1506, or visit their website at: https://www.coveredca.com/
WHEN YOU NEED FREE GROCERY & MEDICATION DELIVERY:
Helping Hands – Grocery & Medication Free Delivery
The helping hands program was created to match those 60 and over or those who are immunocompromised with volunteers to help with a free delivery of groceries or medications. Please click here for more information: https://
WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE:
L.A. Department of Mental Health
The Department of Mental Health offers great links, resources and articles. They also have an Access hotline that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be reached at their website at:
https://dmh.lacounty.gov/covid-19-information/
Or you can reach their 24/7 Access hotline at (800) 854-7771.
WHEN YOU NEED CALMING EXERCISE ROUTINES:
Free Gentle Exercise and Stress Reduction With Qigong
Qigong is a gentle exercise practice, similar to Tai Chi, that can help improve one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, and breathing techniques. This gentle exercise can be done from home and helps to reduce stress and improve circulation.
To get started, begin with this introductory Qigong video that anyone can access from home. To view our entire Free At-Home Self Care Resource guide, including free yoga, meditation and workout videos, click here.
Free At-Home Workouts With Lupus LA
Lupus LA offers weekly Lupus-Friendly Workouts on Facebook Live with One Body LA. For a bit more of a challenge, you can watch our past workouts here. Join our lupus patient community for our next Live Workout Session on Friday, April 24th at 11:30am on our Facebook Page!
WHEN YOU WANT TO SPEAK WITH A PEER:
Free Peer Line Resource
Following a talk with a professional social worker, callers are individually matched with a trained volunteer, who shares a special understanding of living with lupus or a family member of someone with lupus. New callers are encouraged to contact the Program Manager weekdays between 9am and 5pm EST. They are based out of the East Coast, but the number is accessible to anyone throughout the country.
To reach them, call or email Priscilla Toral:
Priscilla Toral, LCSW, Program Manager
212.606.1952
866.375.1427 (toll-free)
toralp@hss.edu
Lupus LA Patient Services Team
If you need support, encouragement, guidance during a new diagnosis, physician recommendations or help navigating resources (like your medication), please reach out directly to our Patient Services Coordinator, Maggie, at maggies@lupusla.org. You are not alone. We are here to help!
