Arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. There are more than 100 types of arthritis including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is common among people with other chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. There is no cure for arthritis, but it can be treated and managed with medication, non-drug therapies (e.g., physical therapy), and self-management education programs. Additionally, being physically active is an essential part of preventing and managing many chronic conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
For more information on arthritis basics, research and scientific publications, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arthritis website.
2021 - 2022 Steering Committee Members
Amy Ellings
Chairperson
Washington State Department of Health
Adam Burch
At Large Member
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Amy Michael
At Large Member
Minnesota Department of Health
Jennifer Raymond
At Large Member
AgeSpan
Katie Potestio
At Large Member
New York State Department of Health
Tara Weston
At Large Member
Oregon Health Authority
Arthritis Council
The NACDD Arthritis Council provides a forum for CDC-funded state arthritis programs, national organizations, and other partners to come together for peer-to-peer sharing and learning in an effort to increase state capacity to advance arthritis public health efforts. Any NACDD member or Associate Member is eligible to join the Arthritis Council.
The Arthritis Council provides feedback and guidance on training and technical assistance opportunities facilitated by NACDD.
- The Arthritis Council monthly calls occur on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. ET.
- Many of the Arthritis Council monthly calls include subject matter experts, program sharing, and networking.
- The Arthritis Council oversees the formation of topic specific workgroups to provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and sharing.
- The Arthritis Council also provides guidance on planning National Grantee Meetings
The Purpose of the Council is to —
- Represent state arthritis programs and related issues and concerns within the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD).
- Provide a national forum to link state/territorial/tribal program directors/coordinators, and others to act collectively in the promotion of Arthritis health.
- Provide a venue for participants to exchange ideas, strategies, materials, and policies and procedures to improve and enhance comprehensive public health programs/policies for Arthritis diseases and their risk factors.
- Advocate for legislation, policies, and programs to reduce the burden of Arthritis diseases and their risk factors.
- Provide comments and recommendations to federal agencies and the membership on issues for which comment has been solicited or for which the Council feels comments are required.
- Provide leadership and develop partnerships with affiliates, private and public associations, and industry to catalyze promotion of Arthritis health.
The council is governed by a Steering Committee that includes the Chair and other at-large members.
Interested learning more about the Arthritis Council? Contact Us: arthritis@chronicdisease.org.