NEWS FLASH! Arthritis Bill Introduced!

Today, U.S. Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Fred Upton (R-MI) and 46 original cosponsors introduced the "Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act of 2009." This bill introduction is the first step for Congress to understand more needs to be done for people with arthritis. The bill would expand efforts to prevent, treat, and care for people with arthritis through:
* Enhancing arthritis prevention;* Expanding and strengthening research programs relating to juvenile arthritis;* Establishing a juvenile arthritis registry; * Enhancing support for rheumatology training programs; and * Establishing a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical specialists.

The legislation is identical to the bill unanimously passed last year by the House of Representatives. The Arthritis Foundation, with your help, will advocate for passage of the Arthritis Act and to address the needs of 46 million adults and nearly 300,000 children with arthritis. With your hard work and advocacy, 2009 will be the year the U.S. Congress takes final action and passes this important legislation.

Please thank your House Member if he/she is an original cosponsor: Click Here for the List
Make sure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill -- participate in the 2009 Virtual Summit!

WebMD NYC Filming

Happy Valentine's Day! This weekend was so exciting to be in New York and be a part of filming a new show called, "RA in Focus" (RA - Rheumatoid Arthritis) produced by WebMD. The show is a new series dedicated to providing real life stories, the latest medical advancements and information about people of all ages touched by arthritis. Hosting the show was neurologist, Dr. Sean Kennif and CEO of Heathapalooza.com. Everyone on staff was great, thank you to Alex, Nell, Maggie, Jarret and Kim for a wonderful day!

Urge Congress to Fund Arthritis Research and Prevention!

Action is Needed Now
Today, the Senate passed an $838 billion economic stimulus bill. The House passed its own $819 billion version of the bill on Jan. 28. House and Senate negotiators will meet quickly to resolve differences in the wide-ranging package of spending and tax cuts (HR 1). Congress wants to pass a final bill in both chambers and send it to President Obama before leaving for a scheduled week long recess at the end of the week.

Arthritis Prevention: The Senate removed entirely a $5.8 billion Prevention and Wellness Fund provision from its bill. The House of Representatives included $3 billion in public health funding in its version of the bill. The Arthritis Foundation urges Congress to include this important House provision to fund potential arthritis programs in the stimulus bill. Investing in arthritis prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in states across America, is not only an investment to help stimulate the economy, but also an investment in a healthier America. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. Investing in prevention has a proven return. For every $1 invested in community level prevention, there is a savings of over $5 dollars in public and private health care expenditures within just 5 years. Support for the CDC and evidence based state and private programs to combat arthritis will help reduce disability, pain and health care costs for the millions of Americans with arthritis.

Please contact your Members of Congress NOW about arthritis research and prevention funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Arthritis Foundation Volunteer Brunch

Honoring all Arthritis Foundation Volunteers! Pictured below is members of the Young Professionals Group.