Arthritis Data and New Mexico

New Mexico is one of 28 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 New Mexico Arthritis And Osteoporosis Prevention and Control Programs (AOPCP) goal is to increase awareness and reduce the impact of musculoskeletal diseases in New Mexico through surveillance, communication and education, and provision of evidence-based self-management strategies.

It is estimated that the indirect and direct cost of arthritis in New Mexico is over $686 million (MMRW Nov 21, 2003/vol.52/no.56). One managed care organization in NM spent over $32 million for the care and treatment of members with a primary diagnosis of arthritis over a recent 18-month period. Public health efforts to expand practices such as increased physical activity, maintaining healthy weight or participating in proven self-management courses can help reduce these costs and improve quality of life for New Mexicans with these diseases.

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.