Fact Sheet

The Arthritis Foundation Mission

Our organization endeavors to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

About the Arthritis Foundation – McLean County Branch

We are part of the Illinois Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, a national level, non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of arthritis and similar diseases. We also provide programs, services, and support to the approximately 45,000 adults and children in Central Illinois who suffer from arthritis and advocate for government legislation relative to the disease.

Arthritis Statistics

Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability.

66 million people, or one in three adults, and 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.

There are more than 125 forms of arthritis and related conditions.

Children attending our Juvenile Arthritis Clinic have reported an increase in their ability to resume everyday activities as well as a 32% reduction in pain.

Participants in the Arthritis Foundation exercise programs have reported a 28-30% reduction in pain and fatigue.

Arthritis and rheumatic conditions cost the U.S. economy $125 billion annually.

McLean County Branch Programs and Events

Impact Arthritis Seminar

An educational seminar aimed at providing the most up to date information on different types of arthritis, medical treatments, tips for healthier living, alternative treatments, and exercise.

Arthritis Walk

A nationwide event that raises funds to fight arthritis and related diseases, the Arthritis Walk has a team focus to encourage people to motivate each other to walk for wellness and health. The Arthritis Walk is a non-competitive, 5K course with a one-mile option, featuring sponsor booths, and an arthritis information area.

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Annual Arthritis Foundation Golf Classic

This fun-filled event is an 18-hole four-person scramble tournament with a 19^th Hole Party at the Gill Street Sports Bar after the main event, featuring refreshments, food, and giveaways.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk

One of the largest run/walk events in the country! This unique pre-holiday event offers something for everyone: a competitive 5K run, a 5 K walk, and the more mellow Fun Walk along the Constitution Trail. The post-event party features tasty food, drinks, local entertainment, door prizes, and an awards presentation ceremony.

Exercise Programs

Our exercise programs include the P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) Program, the Arthritis Aquatics Program, and the joint-safe martial art Tai Chi. To learn more about our exercise programs, contact us at the number below.

Self-help Classes

We offer two six-week courses:

Arthritis Self-help Course, which is designed to teach those with arthritis how to remain active, maintain a positive attitude, and take a more active role in their own healthcare;

Fibromyalgia Self-help Course, which teaches participants how to become more active in their healthcare and develop positive attitudes.

Ways to Volunteer

We always need willing volunteers to serve in the following capacities:

Advisory Board Members

Speaker’s Bureau

Health Fair Volunteers

Office Help

Flyer/Poster Distribution

For our events, we always need greeters, set-up and clean-up help, pre-registration, etc.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, not-for-profit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control, and cure arthritis and related diseases – the nation’s #1 cause of disability. For free information, contact the Arthritis Foundation at (309) 451-0785, or visit us on the web at www.arthritis.org.

To learn more about the McLean County branch of the Arthritis Foundation, contact:

Boiler Plate Contact Information