This section houses information and links to several organizations created for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that provide advocacy support, news about lifestyle issues and cutting-edge research, disease facts, and online patient networks such as message boards and blogs
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating autoimmune diseases, a major cause of chronic illness. The AARDA supports education, research, and patient services with the hope of alleviating the suffering associated with autoimmunity. AARDA's website offers a medical information page that includes a variety of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP, a division of ACR) are professional organizations comprised of rheumatologists and associated health professionals who are dedicated to healing more than 100 types of arthritis, as well as preventing disability from sometimes fatal disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones. The ACR website offers disease fact sheets, information about advocacy, and tools to locate a rheumatologist.
The Bone and Joint Decade is a global, multi-disciplinary initiative focused on the care of people with musculoskeletal conditions - bone and joint disorders. A focus of the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade is on helping Americans gain an understanding of bone and joint disorders and become better informed about prevention, treatments and rehabilitation. The website includes sections that offer links to professional healthcare organizations and healthcare industry sites that offer a wide range of information and tips, as well as government sources.
CreakyJoints is an online community for people of all ages with arthritis, as well as their family and friends, offering news and information about therapies and research, emotional support, and perhaps most importantly, a sense of community. There are also member-driven message boards, an advice column, online diaries, and information about upcoming live events. With a free membership in CreakyJoints, you can join the more than 20,000 other members in the community as it works to "bring arthritis to its knees."
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is a governmental institute that serves both the public and health professionals by providing information, locating other information sources, creating health materials, and participating in a national federal database of health information. NIAMS supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. The NIAMS website provides online health information for consumers and referrals to the NIAMS Clearinghouse, which distributes information packages about diseases on request.
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