Information & Referral
Free pamphlets on a variety of arthritis topics are available, obtained through phone or mail requests or at the Chapter offices. In addition to a resource library with more than 100 different brochures about arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation offers a physicians’ directory, local Chapter newsletters, national magazine and web page (www.arthritis.org).

Educational Forums
Presentations are made on various topics of interest to people with arthritis. The Chapters offer a series of forums to highlight arthritis awareness and to educate individuals about ways to cope with rheumatic diseases.

Speakers Bureau
The Chapters have speakers, films, slides and displays. Trained volunteers, both lay and professional, provide presentations to clubs, organizations, community groups and schools about arthritis and the Chapters’ programs.

Research
Arthritis research complements government and industry-based arthritis research by focusing on training new investigators and pursuing novel strategies for preventing, curing and controlling arthritis. The Chapters fund research in the areas of career development, projects initiated by researchers, and projects that target a specific goal or outcome and use private or other innovative funding sources to support specific areas of arthritis research.

Arthritis Club Program
These are free monthly support groups for people with arthritis and their families. Arthritis support groups provide educational, emotional and social support. In addition to general arthritis support groups, the Chapters offer specific clubs as well. Visit www.arthritis.org for details about Clubs in your area.

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
The Chapters offer warm water recreational exercise class led by trained and certified instructors at approved facilities. The warmth, buoyancy and resistance of the water help improve joint flexibility and muscle strength. This gentle exercise program can help increase mobility and reduce pain and stiffness in a stress-free, recreational environment. Visit www.arthritis.org for details about Aquatics Programs in your area.

SPLASH! Program
SPLASH! is a warm-water exercise program for young people, age 8—18. It is a safe and effective exercise option for all young people, but especially those with arthritis and related diseases. SPLASH! exercises focus on range of motion, flexibility, strengthening, and aerobic endurance. Instructors/Leaders help participants increase their body awareness, improve their balance and coordination, and increase exercise stamina. The SPLASH! Program is currently being piloted in the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s service area.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a community based, recreational exercise program led by trained instructors. The course is designed specifically for people with rheumatic diseases and involves activities that seek to improve certain physical parameters such as strength, flexibility, endurance and joint motion. The group exercise experience encourages interaction and socialization. Visit www.arthritis.org for details about Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs in your area.

Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program
Program is a six-week course that meets for two hours once a week during which trained leaders teach participants positive steps to take control of their arthritis. The course is designed to increase a person’s understanding of the disease process and how to cope with arthritis. Call your local Chapter for details.

Walk With Ease
Walk With Ease is a six-week course that meets for one hour twice a week during which trained leaders teach participants proper exercise techniques. The course is designed to promote education about physical activity and arthritis management. Contact your local Chapter for further information.

American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (AJAO)
This council of the Arthritis Foundation provides special programs addressing the needs of families with children who have arthritis. The Chapters offer Family Days, Teen Outings, a Pen Pal Network as well as the annual Camp JRA for children with arthritis. Other AJAO activities include national and regional conferences, and an annual Holiday Party that connects families with newly diagnosed children with those who have had similar experiences.

Professional Education
The Arthritis Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis by educating the health professionals who care for them. These educational initiatives include a number of professional publications, outreach activities, conference proceedings and continuing medical education (CME) monographs. The Chapters offer local programs for health professionals, including allied health professionals, general practitioners and specialists.

Advocacy
Serving as advocate, the Arthritis Foundation protects and defends the interests of the more than 70 million men, women and children in America who have arthritis. This continues to be a nationwide, multifaceted effort that includes development of policy documents focusing on special needs and the coordination of grass roots campaigns. Our role as advocate is strong because of our cohesive network of local and national volunteers in the political arena.