Advocates in Action

Arthritis Matters

Advocacy News, our Chapter Newsletter focused on Advocacy

Arthritis is now a major public health problem. It currently affects nearly 46 million Americans – about one in five people – from all walks of life.  Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., costing the nation's economy almost $86.2 billion a year.

The New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation has been taking action against arthritis for 60 years. We’ve championed arthritis rights and legislation, and scored important victories:

• State and federal laws have been passed to protect the health insurance of people with arthritis
• Federal support has increased for research into the cure, prevention, and treatment of arthritis
• The National Arthritis Action Plan (NAAP) has been developed to promote prevention, early diagnosis, and better management of arthritis
• Congress continues to allocate funding to support the Arthritis Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making arthritis a top public health priority for the Unites States
• Since 2002, New York State has allocated a total of nearly $2 million to the four New York Chapters of the Arthritis Foundation to increase the statewide capacity for disease management programs.
• Since 2002, New York City has allocated more than $175,000 to the New York Chapter to support the citywide expansion of evidence-based disease management programs.

 

And It Matters Now More Than Ever

The New York Chapter is committed to improving the quality of life of people with arthritis. We've made a lot of progress in 60 years, and we're gaining momentum. Now is the time to capitalize on the progress we've made.

Our goals are to:

• Increase funding for arthritis research
• Raise awareness that arthritis is a major public health problem
• Partner with the State Health Department and public health agencies to implement the National Arthritis Action Plan
• Improve access to medical care and affordable health insurance
• Initiate legislative changes that affect people with arthritis
• Increase individual access to available resources

To achieve these goals, we need volunteers like you to make our voices clear and powerful - to be arthritis advocates, urging lawmakers to support legislation that impacts people with arthritis.

 

Now Is the Time to Take Action

We’re creating an advocacy network to help us achieve our legislative goals. Arthritis Advocates in Action will voice their opinions and build relationships with lawmakers who support our legislative agenda.

As a member of Arthritis Advocates in Action, YOU can:

• Visit legislators in Washington, DC; Albany; and your community
• Testify at public hearings
• Represent the Chapter at coalition meetings
• Participate in the Chapter's letter-writing campaigns
• Help individuals access resources in their communities through our Resources for Arthritis program

Act now to join!

By acting together, we will help improve the millions of lives affected by arthritis!  To join our national advocacy network and stay updated on the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy priorities, click here. To learn more about the New York Chapter's Arthritis Advocates in Action campaign, contact: (212) 984-8730 or email: info.ny@arthritis.org.

 

Mission

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.