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.