The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Healthhosts discussion forums and blogs/diaries for registered users to discuss Lupus and Lupus-related issues.  It is part of the Federal government's commitment to ensuring that all users are active and informed participants in discussions about health-related issues. We encourage you to share your comments, ideas, and concerns.

For the benefit of robust discussion, we ask that comments remain on-topic.

This is a moderated online space. We expect that participants will treat each other with respect. We reserve the right to reject any entries posted to the site or to remove them after posting if necessary.  We will not post entries that--

• Contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups.
• Are clearly off-topic or promote services or products.
• Make unsupported accusations. 
• Include personally identifiable information (including, but not limited to, full name, address, e-mail address, and phone number). (This is to protect your own privacy and the privacy of others)
• Contain copyrighted material. 

We will notify the author of any entry rejected for these reasons by email, and a corrected post may be re-posted.

Please keep in mind that these discussion forums and blogs/diaries are not a substitute for medical advice.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health will not verify the medical accuracy of any information shared through the Speak Out section or the Diaries, nor will they be held liable for any actions or reactions resulting from following the information shared.

Our discussion forums and blogs/diaries are not a replacement for therapy or other professional counseling services:  our forums are for discussion and support, and are not equipped to resolve crisis situations. If you are experiencing a crisis or need help urgently, call 911, another emergency hotline or seek emergency or other professional help immediately. If you are suicidal, or afraid you may become suicidal, seek help immediately. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It's toll free and available 24 hours a day, every day. Or call 911 or go to the emergency room — suicidal thoughts are an emergency.

We recognize that the Web is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time. However, given the need to manage Federal resources effectively, moderating and posting comments will occur during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday). Comments submitted after hours or on weekends or holidays will be read and posted as early as possible the next business day.

Reporters are asked to send questions to the HHS Media Office through their normal channels and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Reporter questions will not be posted.

Disclaimer of Endorsement and Linking Policy

The views expressed in the Diary and Speak Out sections are those of the individual commentors. These views and posted comments do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office on Women’s Health, or the federal government.

Please keep in mind that these discussion forums and blogs/diaries are not a substitute for medical advice.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health will not verify the medical accuracy of any information shared through the Speak Out section or the Diaries, nor will they be held liable for any actions or reactions resulting from following the information shared. The information posted by individuals on www.couldihavelupus.gov represents personal experiences and is not meant to provide medical diagnosis or advice, or to take the place of health care or services you may need.  Please see your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns.

The Diary and Speak Out sections may include useful hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations and individuals' blogs. These links and pointers are provided solely for our users' information and convenience.

When you select a link to an outside Web site, you are leaving the CouldIHaveLupus.gov Web site and will be subject to the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of the outside Web site.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health and CouldIHaveLupus.gov--

• Do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on a linked Web site.
• Do not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked Web sites, and do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.
• Cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Those who provide comments are responsible for the copyright of the text they provide.
• Are not responsible for transmissions users receive from linked Web sites.
• Do not guarantee that outside Web sites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act.

Thank you for taking the time to read this comment policy. We encourage your participation in our discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.