LupusLine®
LupusLine®, begun in 1988, is the only national telephone peer support program offering one-to-one emotional support and education to people with lupus in the New York tristate region, across the country and internationally. The program links people who need the service with trained volunteers who have lupus.
Following a talk with our professional social worker, callers are individually matched with a trained volunteer, who shares the 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.
Contact
Priscilla Toral, LCSW
Assistant Director for Lupus Programs & Community Engagement
212.606.1952
866.375.1427 (toll-free)
toralp@hss.edu
Counselor Stories
Maria-Elena Hodgson – LupusLine® Peer Counselor of 20 years
My name is Maria-Elena Hodgson. In 1987, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and I had kidney involvement. As I desperately tried to find information about lupus at that time, I realized the only information available was either outdated or presented a grim future. I was angered because I did not have the information to help me understand and deal with this illness. more
In our members own words:
"My counselor was very caring and warm. She was always available to me."
Marilyn, Brooklyn, New York
"LupusLine was fantastic. I learned about my lupus and about how to speak with my doctor more effectively."
Naomi, Whitestone, New York
LupusMinder® Mobile App for People With Lupus
Now available for free download, the LupusMinder app was developed by HSS to track medications, daily symptoms and appointments. Visit hss.edu/lupusminder.
Support Program Summaries
HSS offers a number of free programs that reflect our comprehensive approach to care for people with lupus, myositis and rheumatoid arthritis.