Events

Ask your local legislators for support of H.R. 7546 and S. 3872 to provide coverage for cranial prostheses (medical wigs) as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program.

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease which causes unpredictable, often sudden and severe hair loss, on the scalp and body. Frequently dismissed as a cosmetic condition, alopecia areata is a deeply traumatic experience, resulting in emotional and economic pain and social isolation, especially for children. It is not just hair.

Many individuals living with alopecia areata utilize cranial prostheses to camouflage their hair loss, restore well-being, and support their mental health. Unfortunately, these prostheses can come with a significant out-of-pocket cost for Americans with low or fixed incomes. This is especially burdensome for children, who often require cranial prostheses for attending school.

Currently, the Social Security Act determines which products are considered “durable medical equipment” for the purposes of Medicare coverage. It includes crutches, oxygen tanks, and prosthetics. However, the definition of a “prosthetic” does not specifically include cranial prostheses, which can lead to coverage challenges. Private insurance and other payers often base their coverage policies and standards on Medicare.

Take action to show your support for the 7 million Americans living with alopecia areata. Click the button below to send emails to your legislators to co-sponsor H.R. 7546 and S. 3872. 

NAAF Minnesota Alopecia Areata Support Group
Continuing Education Meeting

Department of Dermatology | University of Minnesota
We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom!

Refreshments will be provided!

Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Dermatology Department Conference Room
1st Floor- Phillips-Wangensteen Building
516 Delaware Street SE
Phillips-Wangensteen Bldg, Suite 1-400 Minneapolis, MN 55455

Join Zoom Meeting
https://umn.zoom.us/j/92000177335?pwd=QEzrwMB4lT8VSlr4XnGqNw6q3Ak6yl.1&jst=2
Meeting ID: 920 0017 7335
Passcode: gQ8S2h

Meeting Agenda

Welcome/Introductions

Maria Hordinsky, MD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Research

JAK Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata

Katie Beier, Clinical Research Fellow

Clinical Trials in Alopecia Areata

Allison Hanka, Clinical Research Fellow

Tracking Immune Cells in the Scalp Following Microbiome Therapy in Alopecia Areata

Javed Shaik, PhD, Clinical and Transitional Research Lead

Psychological Functioning in Persons with Alopecia Areata

Kristina Gorbatenko-Roth, PhD, Adjunct Faculty

Open Discussion

DIRECTIONS:

1.Enter on the 3rd Floor (Street Level)Use the main entrance to the Phillips-Wangensteen Building from Delaware Street SE. This entrance brings you directly onto the 3rd floor area.

2.We will badge participants between 9:45-10am. If you arrive after that time or have difficulty entering, please call 612-710-5507.

3.Important: Do Not Follow the Signs Near the Elevators to the 4th floor. The signage for the Dermatology Department is not up to date.

4.Take the Elevator Down 2 Levels to the 1st Floor.Follow Signs to the Dermatology Department.

Please email Support Group Leader, Heidi Odmark, for any additional information you may need.

Join the Bay Area Children’s Support Group for a Playdate!

Sunday November 15, 2026 from 1:00 pm -3:00 pm

Magical Bridge Playground within Mitchell Park in Palo Alto

3700 Middlefield Rd

Palo Alto, CA 94303

Please RSVP to Angela at (707) 758-0895.

This support group is an ideal place to come and talk with others about living with alopecia areata. It is the place to gain knowledge from those who have had years of experience. With time comes the ability to deal and cope with your own hair loss or that of a loved one. We are very fortunate that so many are willing to bring to the meetings their wisdom and advice to share in a direct but compassionate manner that reflects understanding and concern. The support group experience has its rewards for all who attend.

*Note:  If this is your first time attending, you must RSVP and fill out a form prior to attending.

Your Host:  Mary

Mary has lived with alopecia for over 25 years. She’s a psychotherapist experienced working with children, adults and families. This support group is aimed at providing those living with alopecia emotional support, material resources, and a place to share their experiences. This virtual support group is open to teen girls ages 12-17 living with alopecia areata. 

2026 Meeting Schedule:

December 21, 2026

This support group is an ideal place to come and talk with others about living with alopecia areata. It is the place to gain knowledge from those who have had years of experience. With time comes the ability to deal and cope with your own hair loss or that of a loved one. We are very fortunate that so many are willing to bring to the meetings their wisdom and advice to share in a direct but compassionate manner that reflects understanding and concern. The support group experience has its rewards for all who attend.

This support group is an ideal place to come and talk with others about living with alopecia areata. It is the place to gain knowledge from those who have had years of experience. With time comes the ability to deal and cope with your own hair loss or that of a loved one. We are very fortunate that so many are willing to bring to the meetings their wisdom and advice to share in a direct but compassionate manner that reflects understanding and concern. The support group experience has its rewards for all who attend.

Mary has lived with alopecia for over 25 years. She’s a psychotherapist experienced working with children, adults and families. This support group is aimed at providing those living with alopecia emotional support, material resources, and a place to share their experiences. This virtual support group is open to adults living with alopecia, children and their caregivers.

This support group is an ideal place to come and talk with others about living with alopecia areata. It is the place to gain knowledge from those who have had years of experience. With time comes the ability to deal and cope with your own hair loss or that of a loved one. We are very fortunate that so many are willing to bring to the meetings their wisdom and advice to share in a direct but compassionate manner that reflects understanding and concern. The support group experience has its rewards for all who attend. 

This support group is an ideal place to come and talk
with others about living with alopecia areata. It is the
place to gain knowledge from those who have had
years of experience. With time comes the ability to
deal and cope with your own hair loss or that of a
loved one. We are very fortunate that so many are
willing to bring to the meetings their wisdom and
advice to share in a direct but compassionate manner
that reflects understanding and concern. The support
group experience has its rewards for all who attend. I
can’t wait to see you all!