FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program
October 9, 2012 (888) 702-8818
Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program Awarded Funding for Chronic Disease and Arthritis Specific Self-Management and Physical Activity Community Programs
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) (http://health.mo.gov) recently applied for, and was awarded, grant funding from three national organizations. Funding will assist the DHSS, through the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP) (www.moarthritis.org), the seven Regional Arthritis Centers (RACs) and partners, to deliver self-management and physical activity programs and to provide various educational resources. Programs and resources provided are especially beneficial to Missourians with chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as to health professionals and caregivers for people with chronic health conditions.
Specifically, Missouri was awarded funding from:
- The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) and Abbott Labs – A one year grant from April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013 for $60,000 was awarded to DHSS, MAOP, and the Northeast, Kansas City area, and Southeast Missouri RACs. This funding provides 1) professional development seminars for allied health professionals who have contact with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and 2) public awareness. Please visit www.chronicdisease.org for more information on NACDD.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – A five year grant from June 30, 2012 – June 29, 2017 for approximately $2.72 million. $485,000 was awarded to DHSS, MAOP, and all seven RACs for use in the first year. Programs provided under this award include the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Walk With Ease group and individual programs, the Arthritis Toolkit, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), and Tomando Control de su Salud. Please visit www.cdc.gov/arthritis for more information on the CDC Arthritis Program.
- The Administration on Aging (AoA) – A three year grant from September 1, 2012 – August 31, 2015 for approximately $900,000. $300,000 was awarded to DHSS, MAOP, seven RACs, and ten Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for use in the first year. Programs provided under this award include the CDSMP; Tomando Control de su Salud; Better Choices, Better Health (BCBH) – online; Diabetes Self-Management Program; and BCBH for Diabetes – online. The Diabetes Self-Management Program and BCBH for Diabetes will not be introduced until year two of this grant. Please visit www.aoa.gov for more information on the AoA.
Regional professional development seminars are a great method for health professionals to learn more about rheumatic conditions as well as how programs offered can compliment medical care. All eight self-management and physical activity courses, to be offered year-round, are designed for individuals with risk factors for or with chronic health conditions. Individuals with multiple chronic health conditions may find additional benefit from these courses as they learn how their conditions interact and can impact their overall health. Self-management courses can also be beneficial for caregivers or family of those with chronic conditions.
Missouri’s classes (www.moarthritis.org/classes.html) serve all individuals, whether newly diagnosed, controlled condition(s), or not yet diagnosed. If a course isn’t regionally listed, contact the RAC (www.moarthritis.org/regional-arthritis-centers.html) to begin a group or get added to a waiting list. Contact the RAC by calling toll-free (1-888-702-8818) or by using contact information on the MAOP website (www.moarthritis.org) to find out more about programs offered or about becoming a leader.
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Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program
[email protected]