Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our site and for your interest in our Oklahoma activities. The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
The state of Oklahoma is served by our two division offices:
Eastern Oklahoma Office:
7170 S. Braden, Suite 170
Tulsa, OK 74136
Phone: 918-495-3553
Fax: 918-494-7971
Oklahoma Chapter Office:
710 W. Wilshire Creek Blvd., Suite 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: 405-936-3366
Fax: 405-936-0617
Oklahoma Arthritis Walks 2012
The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.
Join us for our 2012 Arthritis Walks in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.Learn More
Carter Joins Arthritis Foundation as Region CEO
Non-Profit and Marketing Career Professional Provides Exceptional Expertise and Leadership
OKLAHOMA (May 8, 2012) – The Arthritis Foundation South Central Region Board of Directors has named Susan Carter as the new Chief Executive Officer of the South Central Region headquartered in Dallas, TX. Carter succeeds Karen Stern, who recently retired from the Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation’s mission is to prevent, control and cure arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. The Foundation’s South Central Region serves the people of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Ms. Carter has vast non-profit experience having recently served in several key high level positions at Susan G. Komen for the Cure for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining the Komen organization, Ms. Carter owned and operated her own public relations, marketing and special events firm in Dallas, specializing in non-profit sectors, as well as the food, beverage and hospitality industries. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations.
“Susan’s experience and dedication to the local non-profit community proves that she will be a valuable asset to the Arthritis Foundation as our Regional Chief Executive Officer,” said Bill Huff, Chair, South Central Region Board. “I am confident her contributions will further our organization’s commitment to helping individuals take control of this disease. That’s because Susan is ideally suited to provide a strong influence throughout the region with all of our volunteers, sponsors, donors and partners,” Huff added.
“It is an honor to serve our communities in the South Central Region for a cause in which I strongly believe,” said Carter. “The painful impact of arthritis is unacceptable. Currently, 50 million Americans (one in five) are living with arthritis, including nearly 4 million Texans, 820,000 Oklahomans and 372,000 in New Mexico. I hope to make a positive, lasting impact on their lives through my work with the Arthritis Foundation,” she added.
Carter’s appointment was made following a formal board search led by Jim Johnston, Dallas independent banking professional, to identify a new CEO. Joining Johnston on the search committee were: Stan Rickner, Tulsa, OK; Brian Harris, Oklahoma City, OK: Alison H. Moore, Dallas, TX and Pam Massey, Houston, TX. Lon McClimon, management consultant, who has assisted with a variety of organizational and related matters since early 2011, served during the interim and assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations of the South Central Region until Ms. Carter’s position became effective this week.
“I can't tell you how excited I am and how much I am looking forward to working with the Arthritis Foundation to strengthen and grow the South Central Region,” said Carter. “As the population of those we serve continues to increase, we must step up our efforts to make a significant impact on the quality of life. The Arthritis Foundation has a dynamic network in the South Central Region and I feel certain those we engage will embrace the mission and support our life-altering programs and research enabling people to live long and healthy lives.”
How We Can Help
The Arthritis Foundation offers a number of programs and services to help you cope with your arthritis.
Learn More
Some demographic facts about arthritis:
- 50 million adults across the nation are affected by doctor diagnosed arthritis
- One in five adults and one in five families are affected by doctor diagnosed arthritis
- Arthritis prevalence increases rapidly from the age of 45, and in most cases is chronic-lasting for life
- Arthritis affects more than 300,000 children under the age of 16
- Women are affected more often than men. An estimated 41 million women of all ages have arthritis or chronic joint symptoms
- Costs to the U.S. economy totals more than $128 billion annually
- Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15
- An estimated 30% of Oklahoma's adult population is affected by arthritis (820,000 adults)
Juvenile Arthritis
Bailey Harrington Documents her battle with JRA
Watch this inspiring video as 14-year old Bailey Harrington documents her trials and tribulations with JRA. This video shows just how disabling this disease is. Arthritis is not an old person's disease. There are 3,500 children in Oklahoma who have been diagnosed with arthritis.
2010 South Central Region Annual Report
The Arthritis Foundation, South Central Region 2010 Annual Report is available online. Thank you for your support. It includes current information and financials. To view or download the 2010 Annual Report, click here.
 Previous Annual Reports:
2009 Annual Report
