The University of Virginia Department of Dermatology is launching the first Hope for HS chapter in Virginia. The goal is to expand community, support, and education for individuals living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and those who care for them.
HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause recurrent painful nodules/abscesses, draining tunnels (sinus tracts), and scarring conditions that can significantly affect day-to-day functioning, mental health, and quality of life. Many patients also experience delayed diagnosis and stigma, which is one of the main motives behind building a support group for patients with this condition.
Hope for HS is a volunteer-driven, patient- and caregiver-directed organization that supports and advocates for people with HS through education, awareness, and support groups, with chapters in multiple cities and states.
What the UVA Hope for HS Chapter Will Do
Our goal is to create a consistent space open to all, where patients and caregivers can connect. UVA students, researchers, and faculty can contribute meaningfully through joining quarterly meetings that focus on reducing isolation and improving access to trustworthy resources.
During these support meetings (in-person and/or virtual options as feasible), the meeting will cover educational sessions with UVA Dermatology clinicians (e.g., HS basics, treatment pathways, pain and wound care considerations, lifestyle considerations, navigating flares, and how to prepare for clinic visits), resource navigation (connecting attendees with vetted HS education/support resources and helping patients identify questions to bring to their care team), and advocacy (promoting HS awareness and accurate understanding across our broader community)
(Important note: Support group activities are intended for education and peer support and do not replace individualized medical care.)
How to Get Involved
The Department of Dermatology is actively looking for:
- Student volunteers to help coordinate logistics, communications, and programming
- Clinical partners (faculty/residents/APPs) interested in occasional educational sessions
- Interprofessional collaborators (nursing, social work, behavioral health, wound care, etc.) who want to support patient-centered programming
Please reach out to Hal Flowers, MD, or Muhammad Zulfiqar, UVA M4 for more information.
Filed Under: Community