Addressing Lupus Health Disparities: The MONARCAS Community and Academic Collaborative Program.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Popular Opinion Leader (POL) model was implemented in a lupus education program (MONARCAS) for the Latino community. The program aim was to increase lupus awareness by training high school students, community health workers, and parents. A curriculum was developed training POLs to disseminate concepts about lupus signs and symptoms. Pre- and post-program questions assessed lupus knowledge and message dissemination. POL groups represented distinct demographic characteristics with Spanish or English language dominance. POLs reported increased lupus knowledge and program satisfaction. Future program goals should aim to increase understanding and improving access to care for Latino communities affected by lupus.