ITP is one of almost 100 different autoimmune diseases, conditions where the body attacks seemingly healthy tissue. About one in five people in the US have an autoimmune disease and it is in the top 10 leading causes of death in females younger than 64. Despite this huge public health issue, many policy makers do not fully understand the implications of this group of diseases. PDSA joins with other patient groups in the National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups (NCAPG) and the American Association of Autoimmune Related Diseases to help bring attention and advocate for more research in this important, underserved population.

Selected Actions:

Sponsor congressional hearings - PDSA was one of the sponsors of the 2012 US Congressional briefing “The Multi-Generational Impact of Autoimmune Disease:  America’s Silent Health Crisis.”

Heighten global awareness - PDSA staff attended the Non-Governmental Organization Health Committee meeting of the United Nations to bring global awareness to the financial and personal burdens of autoimmune diseases.