About Us
View our 2009 Board of Directors | View our 2009 Bone Bash Committee
The Mission
The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans and 300,000 children, living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, the nation’s number-one cause of disability.
Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has 46 chapters and 150 service points located throughout the country. Through the support of more than 600,000 volunteers, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
About the Pacific Northwest Chapter
In Alaska, Oregon and Washington, over 2.2 million adults and 13,000 children have arthritis. We are dedicated to helping those affected by arthritis or a related disease through research, advocacy, education and community programs and services.
Research
We support local and national research to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis and fund training awards, fellowships, career development awards and arthritis research
Advocacy
Arthritis, as well as being a medical issue, is a political and economic issue. Arthritis costs Americans $128 billion annually; $81 billion in direct medical costs. To positively impact the decisions of policy-makers, the Arthritis Foundation has identified advocacy as a top priority. The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act proposes to strengthen arthritis public health initiatives which would ensure that more people are diagnosed early to avoid pain and permanent disability. The Chapter also maintains a grassroots advocacy network that works on local issues critical to arthritis research, diagnosis and access to treatment.
Programs and Services
Life Improvement Series – The AF Aquatic, Exercise and Tai Chi Programs are community-based recreational exercise programs specifically designed for people with arthritis and can help control pain and improve quality of life.
Public Education – Free educational programs are offered in communities throughout the Chapter. In addition, the Chapter hosts an Arthritis Answers Helpline; offers an extensive library of free education materials; maintains a physician referral list; and conduct Self Help programs enabling participants to take a more active role in their own care.
Professional Education – The AF hosts monthly programs to educate and update health care professionals about current treatment, prevention and control options.
Kids And Teens Get Arthritis, Too (KAT) – The KAT Program provides educational and social activities for children and teens with arthritis and their families. A variety of activities are planned throughout the year, including a weekend family camp in the summer.
Arthritis and its Impact…More than You Know?
- Arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. These diseases and conditions include Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis; Gout; Fibromyalgia; Bursitis; Rheumatic Fever; Lupus; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; and Lyme Disease.
- The three most common forms are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Some forms of arthritis, including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, may lead to premature death due to related infections, cardiovascular problems and renal failure.
- Forty-six million Americans, including 300,000 children, yes children, contend daily with the pain, challenges and limitations of doctor-diagnosed arthritis. The majority of people affected with arthritis are under age 65.
- Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in our nation and costs the United States economy $128 billion annually.
- The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has labeled arthritis as the most common and disabling chronic condition reported by American women, far ahead of Heart Disease, Breast Cancer and Diabetes.
Arthritis and its Impact
More than “everybody gets it sometime.”
More than “an older person’s disease.”
More than “minor aches and pains.”
More than You Knew?