Arthritis is a term that refers to more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23% of all adults—over 54 million people—have arthritis in the United States. About 24 million adults are limited in their activities from arthritis, and more than 1 in 4 adults with arthritis report severe joint pain. Arthritis commonly occurs along with other long-term diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity), and this can make it harder for people to manage their health.
Virginia is one of 13 states funded through the Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) Arthritis Program, State Public Health Approaches to Addressing Arthritis, cooperative agreement. The aim of these state arthritis programs is to improve arthritis management and the quality of life of people with arthritis through four strategies. The cooperative agreement is a 5-year funding opportunity that spans July 2018 to June 2023.With this funding, key focus areas for the Virginia Arthritis Program include:
- Improving participation in self-management education workshops known as Arthritis-Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions (AAEBIs), such as Walk with Ease and Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, to help people with arthritis improve their function and general quality of life. Learn more
- Creating a coordinated infrastructure to counsel and refer people with arthritis to physical activities to help reduce or better manage their symptoms. Learn more
- Working with internal and external partners to develop a coordinated strategic arthritis state plan and raise the public’s awareness of arthritis conditions and disease management. Learn more
- Using data to focus on arthritis disparities and target resources to the most underserved areas of the state. Learn more