Kids Get Arthritis Too, Advocacy in Action

July is Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Awareness Month!


In June, Advocates sent over 180 messages to legislators urging them to fund the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program to help place doctors in under-served areas. Too few people truly know the impacts of JA on our communities. This July, we need to keep spreading the word that kids get arthritis too! The time is NOW. 

Here's how:

1. Watch & Share: JA Awareness Video

Just like adults are the expert of their arthritis, kids and young adults are the experts of their JA. Listen to Junior Ambassadors share their stories and the importance of increasing awareness that young people can get arthritis too. Can you share the link with your friends, Connect Group, coworkers, or other networks? 

WATCH NOW

2. Read & Share: Educating Future Providers  

The Junior Ambassador Program is a great way for teenagers with arthritis to get involved in advocacy and connect with each other. One Junior Ambassador, Ethan, decided to meet with medical students to share his JA story and urge them to become pediatric rheumatologists. Check out his poster about this advocacy project and share it with others at bit.ly/Ethan-EducatingMDs.

READ NOW

3. Sign Up: Advocate for Kids with JA this August
Do your members of Congress know that kids get arthritis? Your legislators will be back in their districts later this summer for "August Recess" to learn from constituents like you during 15-30 minute virtual meetings. Why not use the opportunity to educate them on JA and the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program? Complete our quick opt-in survey by July 9th and our team will be in touch with an August Recess Guide and individual support.
 REGISTER NOW

 4. Level Up: Become an Ambassador  

Are you ready to take your advocacy to the next level? Ambassadors advocate for arthritis by committing to take action four or more times per year. Ambassadors are the first to know about upcoming events, trainings, and leadership opportunities. Don't miss out - sign up as an Ambassador now to build on your advocacy for kids with arthritis! 

SIGN UP NOW

The Arthritis Foundation is here to listen and help. Check out some other ways to share your experience and learn more about key issues:

• COVID-10 cases are once again spiking in many states. Share your experience by taking the COVID Advocacy Survey if you haven't already done so. Then, check out our Care & Connect page for the survey results, as well as news and information from our experts. 

• For help with specific questions, contact our 24/7 Help Line to get connected to your nearest Arthritis Foundation representative and licensed clinical social workers.

Visit arthritis.org for more information

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Submitted by Yorktown, NY

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