§ 13–504

Create and foster a statewide program that promotes public awareness and increases knowledge about the causes of arthritis, the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management, effective prevention strategies, and pain prevention and management;

Enhance understanding of arthritis by disseminating to patients, health professionals, and the public:

Establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention of arthritis and related disability through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research;

Utilize educational and training resources and services developed by organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of arthritis and use available technical assistance;

Evaluate the need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based arthritis services;

Increase awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of arthritis among State and local health officials, providers, professionals, and policy makers;

Implement and coordinate State and local programs and services to reduce the public health burden of arthritis; and

Improve the quality of life and contain health care costs for individuals with arthritis and their families.