WHAT AND WHO: In honor of National Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month (ADAM), the National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups will host a news briefing to release the results of two new surveys of autoimmune patients and a preliminary study of physicians, as well as launch a new first-of-its-kind national autoimmune disease registry. Speakers include:

● Stephanie P. Hales, Associate, Sidley Austin LLP*The results of a patient survey on the impact on autoimmune disease patients with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act

● Dr. Stanley Finger, Vice Chairman of the Board, American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association *The results of the latest benchmark patient survey about experiences and difficulties in obtaining an autoimmune disease diagnosis *The results of a first-ever preliminary study of family physicians on their comfort level diagnosing and treating autoimmune disease patients*The need to create Autoimmune Disease Centers around the country

● Aaron Abend, Data Analytics & Informatics for Healthcare & Medical Research *The new autoimmune disease registry and the implications for the research community The National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups is spearheaded by American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. and represents 33 member autoimmune patient groups, all working together to educate the public on their individual autoimmune diseases as well as the common thread of autoimmunity which connects them all.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Murrow Room National Press Club 529 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20045