Arthritis Coalitions in Virginia

The Virginia Arthritis Action Coalition was established in 2000 and is composed of healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, insurance companies, and people with arthritis. The aim is to strengthen alliances and provide education and outreach activities among arthritis stakeholders.

Goal

The mission of the Virginia Arthritis Action Coalition is to provide a forum for communication and collaboration among stakeholders with the intent to reduce the burden of Arthritis in Virginia.

Objectives

• To update and disseminate the “Virginia’s Arthritis Action Plan” as broadly as possible to all Arthritis stakeholders in Virginia.
• To identify key priorities in the Virginia’s Arthritis Action Plan” to  develop implementation strategies.
• To annually evaluate the activities of the Virginia’s Arthritis Action Plan .
• To broaden the scope of arthritis intervention activities in Virginia.
• To increase environmental and policy support for person burdened with arthritis in Virginia.

The sub-committees chaired by the members of the VATF are:

• Programs and Education
• Policy and Legislation
• Communication and Marketing
• Surveillance and Epidemiology

Virginia Arthritis Action Coalition

Regional Arthritis Mini-Taskforces have been organized, its members are active in promoting local information about arthritis.  They are promoting the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) health communication campaign.  “Physical Activity: The Arthritis Pain Reliever” and self-management interventions that offers tools to manage their conditions and maintain the ability to do ordinary things in their daily life. To access information about these regional Arthritis Mini-Taskforces, contact the arthritis coordinators at the Lenowisco, Fairfax County, Three Rivers and Virginia Beach Health Districts.

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