Welcome to The New Mexico Department of Health - Arthritis Prevention and Control Program

New Mexico is one of 29 states to receive funding from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish an arthritis program supporting the National Arthritis Action Plan through the development and implementation of the New Mexico Strategic Arthritis Plan.

The National Arthritis Action Plan: A public health strategy (1.2mb .pdf), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials provides the framework for the New Mexico Strategic Arthritis Plan (650kb .pdf). A plan based on partnership and collaboration with the New Mexico Arthritis Advisory Council; its multilevel approach incorporates surveillance, education, and programs and policies essential to reducing the burden of arthritis.

Arthritis and rheumatic diseases include over 100 diseases and conditions, and affect an estimated one in six, or 370,000 New Mexicans. Rheumatic diseases occur more frequently than other costly chronic diseases including heart and lung disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. At the national level, arthritis medical and social costs due to lost productivity and disability are nearly 65 billion a year, an amount equivalent to a moderate recession. The impact of arthritis is felt not only by those living with the pain and disability of arthritis, but by family members and caregivers as well. However, many of the consequences of arthritis can be prevented. Effective prevention and control measures exist today to substantially curtail the pain, cost, and unnecessary disability caused by these diseases.

Mission:
The New Mexico Strategic Arthritis Plan acts to develop an inclusive partnership to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal conditions through education and increasing public awareness and to enhance the quality of life for those affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

New Mexico Focus Areas:

• Partnership
• Surveillance
• Communication and Education
• Programs, Policies, and Systems

Vision:
Through collaboration of numerous organizations that actively support arthritis programs for prevention, control, and cure, the impact and cost of arthritis will be reduced for individuals and health care systems in New Mexico. Public and professional awareness will shift with recurrent provider education and statewide programs for persons with arthritis. The establishment of a database to track the prevalence and effects of arthritis will provide evidence-based information to support state legislation and participation in the National Arthritis Act enacted by Congress in 1974.

Arthritis in New Mexico: Time for Action, is a power point presentation you are welcome to view by clicking on the title. It contains information on how and why the Arthritis Prevention and Control Program started in New Mexico, what the aims of the program are, and arthritis information including signs and symptoms, self-management techniques, tips on diet, exercise, medications and evaluating alternative therapies. Schedule this presentation to be given to your organization by contacting Lauri Wilson, Arthritis Program coordinator.

Staff contacts:

• Arthritis and Osteoporosis Coordinator, 505-841-5888
• Program Manager, 505-222-8605

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