Table 3 HBCU participant recommendations to improve lupus awareness and social support

1. Positivity as the ‘new norm’

Promoting a positive environment for individuals living with lupus through empathy, encouragement, recognition of their needs and maintaining a hopeful outlook

2. Developing a supportive network

Forming a community network of family, friends, caretakers and allies (e.g. doctors, peer mentors, lupus patients, etc.) that serve as a support group for individuals living with lupus

3. Increasing advocacy efficacy

Equipping youth advocates with appropriate tools to reduce stigma surrounding lupus, receiving preventive screenings and clinical treatment, defining how to share appropriate messaging and champions for message delivery

4. Expanding messaging strategies

Increase the number of local lupus events, campaigns and social media messages and expand synonymous messaging between lupus and other chronic disease awareness efforts

5. Understanding clinical impact

Increase education on lupus symptoms, risk factors, decrease negativity surrounding physical limitations