Maryland
Arthritis Project
Program Overview
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability and is a highly prevalent disease in Maryland. According to the 2005 Maryland BRFSS, there were an estimated 1,126,654 adults with a doctor diagnosis of arthritis (28% of adults) and 518,435 additional adults with chronic joint symptoms that could possibly be undiagnosed arthritis (13% of adults). About 460,819 Maryland adults had activity limitation due to joint symptoms in 2005. The CDC estimated that arthritis and other rheumatic conditions cost Maryland a total of $ 2.5 billion in 2003. The impact of arthritis is expected to increase dramatically as the “baby boomers” age.
Project Activities
With funding from CDC, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) established the Maryland Arthritis Project in 1999. Through the Maryland Arthritis Project, DHMH engages in the following activities:
- Collect and analyze Maryland arthritis data to monitor the trend of arthritis prevalence and to plan, implement, and evaluate arthritis activities.
- Provide funding to local agencies such as local health departments and area agencies on aging to conduct arthritis self-help classes for people with arthritis.
- Disseminate arthritis health education materials to the public through local health departments and partnering agencies.
- Provide resources to providers in order to assist them in improving the quality of life for their patients with arthritis.
- Conduct media activities to promote public awareness of arthritis and its related conditions.
- Provide training to individuals who will conduct the following arthritis self-management classes in the community.
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| Partners | Data | Media | Resources/Research |