May 26, 2000

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health today awarded $66,562 in grants to 12 local health departments for arthritis awareness and education.

"People with arthritis are often confronted with pain every day and it limits their ability to lead a full and active life," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, in announcing the grants. "It is the leading cause of disability in this country, but it is not, as many people think, an inevitable part of growing older. Research has offered a better understanding of arthritis and the effective ways to prevent it and its complications."

Dr. Lumpkin said maintaining an appropriate weight and avoiding occupational or sports-related injuries can help prevent arthritis. In addition, he said, early diagnosis and medical treatment, physical activity and a variety of self-management techniques can reduce the disability once arthritis is diagnosed.

Arthritis currently affects 1 in 6 Americans and by the year 2020 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost 20 percent, or 60 million Americans, will be affected. CDC has reported that medical costs for people with arthritis total $15 billion annually and it is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability.

The local health departments receiving the grants, which were funded by CDC, will target people affected by arthritis and health care professionals. The objective is to increase awareness of the signs, symptoms and management options, and the need for early diagnosis; and the inclusion of self-management as part of routine medical care.

The local agencies have formed partnerships in their communities with senior centers, nursing homes, churches, senior groups, school districts, local department stores, hospitals and local YMCA's.

The following is a list of local health departments that received funding:

Bureau County Health Department, $4,500; Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department, $5,536; Greene County Health Department, $4,637; Jersey County Health Department, $6,850; Knox County Health Department, $4,415; Lake County Health Department, $7,000; Livingston County Health Department, $6,540; Marion County Health Department, $5,950; McDonough County Health Department, $6,700; Mercer County Health Department, $4,230; Montgomery County Health Department, $4,704; and Pike County Health Department, $5,500.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments