Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States, affects  46 million Americans.  More than 100 diseases and conditions are encompassed under the term "arthritis" ---  that affect joints and connective tissue, the most common forms,  being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and lupus.

California Arthritis Partnership Program Mission: To improve the quality of life of Californians affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

More than 5.6 million adult Californians (22%) report being told by a doctor that they have arthritis. The impact of arthritis is significant as 39% of Californians with arthritis report that arthritis or joint symptoms limit their activities.

Reducing the proportion of adults with chronic joint symptoms who experience a limitation in activity due to arthritis is a Healthy People 2010 Objective (2-2).

The California Arthritis Partnership Program collaborates with community-based organizations to expand the reach of programs that improve the quality of life for people with arthritis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including self management, can help people with arthritis decrease pain, improve function, and lower health care costs.

Health Communications

California's four Arthritis Foundation Chapters are working together to implement Physical Activity, the Arthritis Pain Reliever statewide.  The media campaign targets Caucasians or African Americans with arthritis who are between the ages of 45-64. The health communications campaign was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to:

• Raise awareness of physical activity as a way to manage arthritis pain and increase function
• Increase the understanding of the importance of 30 minutes of physical activity every day, even in 10-minute increments three times a day
• Enhance the confidence of people with arthritis in their ability to be physically active

CAPP is also working with the Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter,  to pilot test the Spanish health communications campaign, Buenos Dias, Arthritis!

California Arthritis Partnership Program (CAPP)
Pamela Ford-Keach, M.S., Chief
Post Office Box 997413
Mail Station 7210
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Phone (916) 552-9916
Fax (916) 522-9910
Internet: www.dhs.ca.gov/arthritis

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