The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) and the L.A. Trust for Children’s Health are working together to raise awareness of endometriosis in schools and communities across Los Angeles.
Endometriosis is estimated to affect 176 million women of reproductive age worldwide, endometriosis.org reports. The disease also is one of the top three causes of female infertility.
The educational program, called ENPOWR (Endometriosis: Promoting Outreach and Wide Recognition), will help the EFA bring its message directly to those who most need to know about this disease — teenagers and young women.
Part of the EFA’s Endo EduKit program, it offers lessons free-of-charge. So far, the ENPOWR project has reached 18,553 adolescents at 143 sites, with 679 lessons completed.
“I am thrilled about partnering with The L.A. Trust. This is exactly the type of collaborative model that the EFA is seeking to create endometriosis awareness and get the ENPOWR project and its materials in front of high school students across the country,” Tamer Seckin, MD, the EFA’s founder and medical director, said in a press release.
“This partnership will open the door for thousands of young girls to learn about endometriosis,” he added. “Early diagnosis is crucial to detecting endometriosis and awareness is key to timely treatment.”
In Los Angeles, the group will set up 14 wellness centers on schools and campuses across the city’s school district, with educational materials that explains endometriosis, its symptoms, and treatment options. Staff will be on hand to make sure students understand the materials, and to answer questions.
The L.A. Trust also is working with the L.A. school district’s Student Health and Human Services Division to improve access to health, wellness and mental health services for students.
“Our work is focused on addressing health equity including access to information and services,” said Maryjane Puffer, executive director of the L.A. Trust.
“The importance of getting accurate information to our students and families on endometriosis cannot be overemphasized. Through this partnership, we hope that more women and girls who are impacted can now identify their symptoms and get the care they need at our Wellness Centers,” Puffer added.