Home In this discussion: Advocacy Wow, either we have a very
apathetic bunch of people or you just don't know how to be an advocate.
Let's just say we were under whelmed by the response to the advocacy
survey. 43 million Americans have arthritis. And if they are as
apathetic as our group appears to be, we will never accomplish anything! No
one is going to do it for us. We must fight our own battles. That means
we have to speak up! We need to let government officials, pharmaceutical
companies and others know how we feel. What
should we speak up about? Here are several issues that are very
important right now: Arthritis
Awareness: The world needs to know that arthritis is not "minor
pain." They need to know there is treatment available. They need to
know that there are over 150 different types of arthritis. They need to
know that arthritis is not an old person's disease! Did you know that in
1999 the Centers for Disease Control had one half of one employee
working on arthritis? If they aren't treating it as an important
priority how can we expect anyone else to? Research:
We need to convince our government to spend more on arthritis
research. We are closer to a cure everyday, but it's going to take a lot
of money to find it. Access
to Medications: Arthritis drugs are expensive and nearly impossible
for those without insurance to afford. We need to fight for everyone's
right to have access to the medications that could improve their quality
of life. This week
we're going to help you become an advocate. NO EXCUSES! By the end of
the week I expect everyone of you to write at least one letter to a
government official. Your voice CAN make a difference! And
don't forget to join us at 9:30 pm Eastern tonight (Monday) in the
chatroom. Arthritis Advocate Amye Leong will be joining us. Tina
Underwood Link To Us
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Featured Discussion
Advocacy
2/9/01
It's Friday and guess what? We've got some Feature Links
to keep you busy.
It's time for your voice to be heard and we want to hear it too! Send us a copy of the letters you've sent to your Congressmen and Representatives and we'll try to figure out ways to deal with the issues that you feel strongest about.
2/8/01
Tina's Letter
2/7/01
Find email addresses for your Representatives
and Senators.
2/6/01
How to Write an Email to Government
Officials
2/5/01
Introduction
Page last updated on February 3,
2001
The information provided
by Arthritis Insight.com should not take the place of advice and
guidance from your own health-care providers. Material in this site is
provided for educational and informational purposes only. Be sure to
check with your doctor before making any changes in your treatment plan.
Information presented on ArthritisInsight.com is the opinion of the
authors and has not necessarily been approved or endorsed by the medical
advisors. The information contained on this web site may not be
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