Northern California
Arthritis Foundation
Grassroots
Lend Your Voice to the Arthritis Foundation's Advocacy Efforts
In Public Policy Arena
In Public Policy Arena
Public Health, Public Policy, and Research are the three main arenas where the Arthritis Foundation concentrates its efforts. In fact, of these three, Public Policy is pivotal since decisions in this arena can have enormous effects on Public Health and Research. Because of this, the Arthritis Foundation has undertaken an ambitious year-round advocacy program that keeps a full court press on our elected representatives. The Arthritis Foundation wants to assure that the interests of people with arthritis are addressed in pertinent legislation and in government agency goals.
Volunteers are the backbone of the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy program. The Arthritis Foundation maintains two staff in Washington, DC who monitor legislation related to arthritis, but two people alone cannot achieve the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy goals. The help of a national corps of advocacy volunteers is needed to accomplish this.
Northern California Chapter has An Outstanding Advocacy Committee
The Arthritis Foundation, Northern California Chapter is proud to report that it has fielded one of the most dynamic Arthritis Advocacy Committees in the nation. Led by Frank Huerta, the Chapter's Vice-Chair for Public Policy, this committee has a long track record of both local and national advocacy successes and is making a difference at both the federal and state levels of government.
Northern California Legislators Join in Unanimous Support for Congress's
Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act
The most important piece of arthritis legislation to be presented in Congress in 40 years is the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. Across the country, Arthritis Foundation advocacy volunteers have been working diligently to persuade their legislators to support this Act by signing on as co-sponsors. Here in Northern California, members of our advocacy committee visited, called, cajoled, sent letters, and e-mailed legislators about the Act. Some legislators quickly recognized the significance of the Act and immediately became co-sponsors. Others took more time, but our advocates were dogged in their efforts and eventually saw complete success. As of Fall 2006, all Northern California legislators in both the House of Representatives and the Senate have agreed to co-sponsor the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. Our Chapter also points with great pride to local Congresswoman, the Honorable Anna Eshoo, who is an original sponsor of the Act.
Sacramento Is Also Focus of Arthritis Foundation Public Policy Efforts
The Northern California Chapter works in tandem with other Arthritis Foundation chapters in California to influence legislation in Sacramento in favor of people with arthritis. The State Department of Health Services currently is working closely with California chapters to increase the reach of the Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series which includes the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, and the Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program. The goal is to expand these programs into underserved California communities.
Some Advocates Meet Often and Others Are Arm-Chair Advocates, But All Are Effective
Arthritis Foundation Advocates can be as active as they would like. The Advocacy Committee meets once a month, but attendance is not mandatory. Many advocates participate in the annual Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC where they visit their legislators' offices in person and network in our nation's Capitol. Many also do the same with California legislators during the Arthritis Foundation's Advocacy Committee's once-a-year trip to Sacramento. Occasionally, there are opportunities for Arthritis Advocates to offer direct input/testimony to government agencies and committees.
Many Arthritis Advocates are very effective as arm-chair advocates. They add their voices to those of the more active advocates by writing emailing, and/or phoning their legislators to express their needs and desires where arthritis is concerned. They keep arthritis public policy matters in front of the public through letters to the editor and in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
Become an Arthritis Advocate
The Arthritis Foundation, Northern California Chapter is proud to announce that its volunteer Advocacy Committee is one of the most active and successful AF advocacy committees in the nation!
Add your voice to the Arthritis Advocates. Discover how powerful one voice can be, especially when added to a growing chorus. Find out how you can influence public policy to improve public health for people with arthritis and to increase the amount of government funds dedicated to arthritis research Help the Arthritis Foundation accomplish its mission: to improve the lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Yes, help the Arthritis Foundation improve lives, and as you do, you will discover how the joy and satisfaction of helping others will improve your life too.
To find out more about becoming an Arthritis Advocate, contact Deborah Jackson by e-mail or by phone at 415.356.1241.
KEY ARTHRITIS LEGISLATION COULD HAVE HUGE IMPACT
ON FUTURE ARTHRITIS CARE
ON FUTURE ARTHRITIS CARE
Local Rheumatologists Urge Congress to Act
Representatives of the Arthritis Foundation and the American College of Rheumatology jointly briefed members of Congress and their staffs in September about the devastating effects of arthritis and related rheumatic diseases. During this briefing, both organizations requested Congressional support of the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2007 (S.626/H.R. 1283).
Christy Sandborg, MD, Stanford pediatric rheumatologist and Vice Chair of the Arthritis Foundation, Northern California Chapter, and San Francisco rheumatologist Neal S. Birnbaum, MD, president of the American College of Rheumatology, both spoke before Congress. They highlighted the benefits of the legislation, including better coordination and communication of outreach and research programs and increased focus on access to care.
"By urging policy makers to support this Act, we are asking them to make decisions that will positively impact the lives of these patients, including those of the children who suffer the daily pain and frustration that accompanies arthritis and other rheumatic diseases," says Dr. Birnbaum.
The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2007, introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Charles "Chip" Pickering (R-Miss.), focuses on five key points:
- Enhancing the CDC's public health activities related to arthritis through the full implementation of the National Arthritis Action Plan
- Expansion, intensification, and coordination of activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect to research on arthritis
- Expansion, intensification, and innovation of research and public health activities related to juvenile arthritis
- Investment in tomorrow's pediatric rheumatologists
- General Accounting Office study of arthritis and the workplace
"Our elected officials have the power to offer new hope to the millions of Americans and families living with arthritis," says Jack Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.
Dr. Birnbaum and Dr. Klippel agree that, "Comprehensive legislation such as the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act is unprecedented, and it is vital our leaders demonstrate their commitment to helping people suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic diseases by supporting the Act."
"It is imperative we work together to learn more about its causes, develop innovative treatment options and eventually find a cure," says Dr. Klippel.
To join in this effort, visit either capwiz.com or arthritis.org and encourage Congress to pass the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2007.
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