Endometriosis Awareness Partnership Promotes Student Health in Los Angeles Schools

NEW YORK, March 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Endometriosis, a disease that affects an estimated 176 million women of reproductive age globally, has prompted the collaboration between two non­profit organizations dedicated to the improvement of adolescent student's health; the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) and The Los Angeles Trust for Children's Health (The L.A. Trust).

"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," said Tamer Seckin, MD, FACOG, and Founder & Medical Director of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA).  "This partnership will open the door for thousands of young girls to learn about endometriosis.  Early diagnosis is crucial to detecting endometriosis and awareness is key to timely treatment."

"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."

Through its one-of-a-kind school and community-based endometriosis education program, The ENPOWR™ (Endometriosis: Promoting Outreach and Wide Recognition) Project, the EFA is taking its message directly to the populations affected most by the disease – adolescents and young women. 

The L.A. Trust is collaborating with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Student Health and Human Services Division to increase student access to vital health and mental health services, wellness promotion, and health career options.

The EFA is providing 14 Wellness Centers (on-campus clinics) in the LAUSD with medically accurate and supportive materials that explain endometriosis, its symptoms, and options for seeking treatment. Wellness Center staff will be supporting students to make sure they understand the materials and get the care they need.

At least 10 percent of American women of child-bearing age have endometriosis, and the disease is one of the top three causes of female infertility. Comparatively, 1 in 10 women has endometriosis while 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. 

To learn more about the EFA and endometriosis visit www.endofound.org. For more information about the L.A. Trust visit www.thelatrust.org. 

About the EFA

The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) strives to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert surgical training, and fund landmark endometriosis research. Engaged in a robust campaign to inform both the medical community and the public, the EFA places particular emphasis on the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective intervention while simultaneously providing education to the next generation of medical professionals and their patients. For more information, visit www.endofound.org.

About The L.A. Trust 

The L.A. Trust for Children's Health (The L.A. Trust) supports the Los Angeles Unified School District's goals of increasing graduation rates and improving the academic achievement of LAUSD's 647,000 students by keeping the students healthy. Since its inception in 1991, The L.A. Trust, a 501 c (3) organization, has shaped and implemented mental, dental and behavioral health and wellness programs at LAUSD schools, including the creation of 14 full-service school-based Wellness Centers that provide comprehensive primary care medical services to students and their families. For more information about the L.A Trust for Children's Health, visit www.theLATrust.org. 

Media Contact:Jeanne Rebillard, Endometriosis Foundation Of America, 845-518-4636, jeanne@endofound.org

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SOURCE Endometriosis Foundation of America