State Burden
In Florida, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis
among adults was estimated to be 27.8% in 2003. An estimated 3.7 million adults
in Florida have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. The prevalence of
doctor-diagnosed arthritis increases with age from 9.2% among those aged
18–44 years and 35.2% among those aged 45–64 years to 55.1% among those
aged 65 years and older. Although arthritis disproportionately affects
people over the age of 65 years, more than half of all doctor-diagnosed
arthritis cases are under the age of 65. Women are more likely
than men to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. In 2003, among females, the
prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is 32.5% compared with 22.7%
among males. In 1997, arthritis and other rheumatic
conditions cost an estimated $5.6 billion.
Florida Arthritis Partnership
The mission of the Florida Arthritis Partnership (FLAP) is to
encourage and promote the combined efforts of dedicated, skilled
individuals and organizations to reduce the growing burden of arthritis
on Floridians of all ages, their families and communities. FLAP is
co-sponsored by the Florida Department of Health, Arthritis Prevention
and Education Program, and the Arthritis Foundation, Florida Chapter.
The partnership is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. FLAP consists of general members who are from all walks of
life and an Advisory Council with members representing organizations
committed to promoting the mission of the partnership. All public and
private organizations and individuals in Florida that actively support
the mission of FLAP are invited to become members. There is no charge to
join the FLAP. The entire partnership has periodic opportunities to meet
face-to-face for purposes of continuing education, communication,
information sharing, and networking.
Key Partners
- Arthritis Foundation, Florida Chapter
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs
- County Health Departments
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Florida Chapter and the
Southeast Florida Chapter
- Lupus Support Network
- Tai Chi for Arthritis Association
Intervention and Partnership Highlights
The Florida Arthritis Prevention and Education Program conducts and
provides funds for the following projects.
- Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program Leader Trainings
- Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program Courses
- English Health Communications Campaign—‘Physical Activity. The
Arthritis Pain Reliever’
- Spanish Health Communications Campaign—‘Buenos Dias, Artritis’
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Beginning in July 2006 the Florida Arthritis Prevention and Education
Program will be coordinating activities for the following projects.
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
- EnhanceFitness
Programs funded through other sources that the Florida Arthritis
Prevention and Education Program is actively involve with.
- Funded by the National Arthritis Action Plan (NAAP) grant
- Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program Courses
- Spanish Arthritis Self-Management Program Leader Training –
‘Curso de Manejo Personal de la Artritis’
- Spanish Arthritis Self-Management Program Courses – ‘Curso
de Manejo Personal de la Artritis’
- Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office on
Women’s Health
- ‘Unlocking the Mystery of Lupus’ awareness and education
project
Program Documents
Contact information
Barbara R. Gray, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Program Administrator
Florida Department of Health
Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Arthritis Prevention and Education Program
4052 Bald Cypress Way, HSFCD, Bin A-18
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Telephone: (850) 245-4330
Fax: (850) 414-6625
E-mail:
arthritis@doh.state.fl.us
Back to Program Descriptions
Florida