Program details

In the fall of 2009, Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) and The Arthritis Society launched the Arthritis is cured! (if you want it) National Arthritis Awareness Program (NAAP) across Canada to inform the public about arthritis and provide Canadians with greater insight into the severity of this disease and information on how to access the arthritis support network available.

Starting the conversation about arthritis

45 "Arthritis is cured! (if you want it)" volunteer street teams were active in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, sharing information and materials about arthritis. Our dedicated volunteers distributed thousands of informational brochures, helping to challenge common myths and change Canadians’ perceptions of the effect arthritis has on our communities, our families, and our lives. It also lead to the creation of an accessible, free and informative ArthritisID app, designed the help Canadians identify, get educated and take part in managing their arthritis.

Defining new channels for conversations about arthritis

Informing the public is however, only one side of the equation. The Arthritis is cured! (if you want it) National Arthritis Awareness Program’s purpose is not just to raise arthritis awareness with patients and their families, but also to raise arthritis issues with healthcare professionals. The NAAP is also focusing on engaging primary care professionals to efficiently identify and address arthritis.

To assist primary care professionals with the diagnosis and management of arthritis, and in discussing arthritis with their patients, the program’s co-leaders, Arthritis Consumer Experts and The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, developed a comprehensive app for healthcare professionals, ArthritisID PRO, and a point-of-practice arthritis tool. The point-of-practice arthritis tool is s a practical tool incorporating evidence-based information about arthritis and can be used to support diagnosis and management of arthritis, and in discussing arthritis with their patients. Visit our Healthcare Professionals Resource Kit section for more information on downloading these tools.