Today was the last day of the 2014 Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C.  

According to the official website, “The Advocacy Summit is an annual event when people living with and affected by arthritis come from every corner of the United States to convene in Washington, DC.. There they learn how to advocate and build a continuing relationship with their Members of Congress and their staff. 

Together, with other advocates and Arthritis Foundation staff, meet with legislators and staff on Capitol Hill to tell Congress that ignoring arthritis is unacceptable and more needs to be done for people with arthritis.  If we don’t let Congress know that something must be done about the pain, cost and disability of arthritis, no one else will!”

Issues championed at the advocacy summit include the following points:

– The Patient’s Access to Treatment Act

– Access to Pediatric Rheumatologists

– Research Funding at the Department of Defense

If you missed the Advocacy Summit and the Virtual Summit, you needn’t worry. You can write or call your Congressman at any time to advocate for arthritis and rheumatic illness! The Arthritis Foundation always has resources available for advocates and volunteers, and occasionally sends up email alerts for special advocacy needs. 

What would you advocate for? Leave a comment and let us know … who knows, it may be one of the issues we advocate for at the next Summit!

Be Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis