Harrisburg Legislative Breakfast

May 16, 2008

On May 13th, 2008, Pennsylvania advocates converged on the state capitol in Harrisburg, PA to educate their legislators about the continuation of state funds designated for arthritis programs and services in Pennsylvania.

The Kramlich family from Sinking Spring, PA were some of the advocates that spoke at the event. "Sixty percent of my family is affected by a form of arthritis." Said Karen Kramlich in her speech to legislators. "We need to find ways for people to better manage arthritis, and ultimately, work towards a cure. The state funds let the arthritis programs reach more people in more counties and make a difference in their lives like they have made a difference in our lives." 

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking $475,000 for arthritis programs in 2008/2009. In the current 2007/2008 state fiscal budget, arthritis programs are designated $400,000. These funds are divided among the three Arthritis Foundation chapters in Pennsylvania. Funds are utilized to implement key arthritis programs in under-served areas. Programs like the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program, Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Aquatic Programs are able to be implemented and serve thousands of individuals affected by arthritis. In addition, funds are utilized to train community leaders to implement arthritis programs, for marketing and outreach campaigns to educate people about resources for arthritis, and for juvenile arthritis educational programs and outreach. The increase being requested for 2008/2009 would allow the Arthritis Foundation to benefit hundreds of additional people through programs, and to educated thousands more. 

To find out more about how you can speak to your local legislators about increasing the arthritis allocation in the state budget, call Wade Balmer at (215) 574-3060 extension 118, or wbalmer@arthritis.org.

(Left) State Representative Jennifer Mann, who was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 3, as well as Eastern PA Chapter President Cathy Benson and arthritis advocate Maria Lefchak were on hand at the legislative breakfast to educate legislators about arthritis programs and services.