Thursday, April 18, 2024
4/18/2024
Almost a quarter of adults in Minnesota have arthritis. Among the most rapidly growing segment of our population, adults 65 and older, the prevalence of arthritis is almost half. Among the non-white, not Hispanic portion of our population the prevalence of arthritis is somewhat lower for all adults but the severity is often much worse, which has important implications for the health care system. Some 15% of adults in Minnesota find themselves unable to work because of their arthritis and another 14% retire early. With almost half of Minnesotans with arthritis reporting limitations in their daily activities due to their arthritis and knowing that they are at a greater risk of falling and of being injured when they fall in a state that has one of the highest mortality rates in the nation due to falls, it is clearly time to act. The purpose of this proposal is to leverage existing partnerships, systems and resources to establish complementary community and healthcare provider evidence-based approaches to improve arthritis management and reduce arthritis burden. We will build upon our infrastructure to grow arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs), supporting and fostering health improvement for priority populations and leverage our network of local public health, program providers, and healthcare partners to implement, disseminate and make meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by arthritis. The outcomes we intend to achieve include: 1) to reduce the percent of adults with arthritis in Minnesota, especially in its older adult and underserved populations, who report being physically inactive, 2) to increase the percent of adults with arthritis who report being counseled by a physician or other health professional to be physically active or exercise to help manage their arthritis or joint symptoms; 3) to reduce the percent of adults with arthritis in Minnesota and its underserved populations who assess their health status as fair to poor; 4) to increase the percent of adults with arthritis in the general and underserved populations who report they have ever taken an educational course or class to teach them how to manage problems related to their arthritis or joint symptoms; 5) to increase the percent of adults with arthritis in the general and underserved populations reporting walking for exercise among their top 2 forms of exercise; and 6) to reduce the percentage of adults diagnosed with arthritis in the general and underserved populations who report experiencing severe joint pain. MDH, working with health system and community partners, intends to leverage years of foundational work to grow evidence-based programs including AAEBIs. MDH will engage both key stakeholders who work on improving arthritis management and reducing the arthritis burden and with stakeholders that advocate for and serve those with arthritis through primary care or through policy, systems and environmental change at the community level. Together we will work to enhance the statewide infrastructure and awareness of arthritis management so those suffering from arthritis can lead the healthiest life possible.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
