1.  What is your organization’s interest in the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA)?

The mission of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is to provide global leadership to the profession of health education and health promotion and to promote the health of society.  Founded in 1950, SOPHE is the only independent organization dedicated to health education, and comprises some 4,000 health promotion professionals working in schools, health care, government, community and worksite settings.  Given our mission and membership, we are proud to join with other OAAA partners in reducing the physical, mental, social and economic toll of osteoarthritis on some 30 million persons.  No organization alone can address the magnitude of disability and decreased quality of life due to this disease, and thus SOPHE is excited to bring our behavioral science and health education expertise to the partnership to maximize resources and impact.

2.  What do you think is the most important issue today related to osteoarthritis?

Today, some 45 percent of people with osteoarthritis are sedentary.  Educating the public and providers about the role of physical activity as a treatment strategy to decrease pain and disability is vital, as well as expanding the availability of evidence-based programs (such as Walk with Ease or aquatic programs) to all communities, including those in rural areas.

3. How does your organization’s work connect to issues in osteoarthritis?

SOPHE members include premier behavioral scientists in arthritis such as Drs. Kate Lorig, Jim Fries, and John Allegrante, who have pioneered research and interventions promoting coping, communication and control in arthritis self-management.  Dr. Lorig’s Arthritis Self-Management Program helps people learn, practice, and gain confidence in various techniques needed to build an individualized self-management approach to arthritis.  SOPHE’s Healthy Aging and Medical Care Communities of Practice exchange new research, tools and approaches that enhance patient’s self-management and self-efficacy in interacting with clinicians across all conditions, including arthritis.  The Society’s three peer-reviewed journals – Health Education & Behavior, Health Promotion Practice, and Pedagogy in Health Promotion – are avenues to keep health professionals abreast of the latest research and practice. In addition to advocating for more recreational areas for persons to be physically active, SOPHE advocates for funding for injury prevention and control – especially since adults with arthritis are more than twice as likely to report an injury related to a fall.

4. What is a headline you’d like to see about osteoarthritis in five years?

“Extra, extra — scientists find a cure for debilitating osteoarthritis!”  Barring such amazing news, I’d hope to hear about the dramatic increase in the number of people with osteoarthritis who are now living an active, pain-free lifestyle, especially socially disadvantaged populations and those living in rural areas.  Imagine if there was an evidence-based program such as Walk with Ease connected to every pharmacy, library, fitness center or church or synagogue.  Making such programs easily accessible, affordable, and run by trained health professionals such as health education specialists would be optimal.  Improved understanding of the role of mHealth and eHealth interventions in arthritis coping and self-management is also needed, especially as our population’s affinity to technology continues to grow.

5. What is one interesting fact you’d like people to know about your organization?

Since relocating to Washington, DC in 1995, SOPHE has played an active role in advocating for increased appropriations and legislation for chronic disease prevention and control, and health equity. SOPHE’s advocacy summit has trained more than 2,000 students and professionals in policy advocacy skills.  Our 22 chapters educate policymakers at the state and local levels and are eager to join with other advocates.  SOPHE membership is open to anyone with an interest in health education; no formal training or degree is required for membership.  SOPHE’s Center for Online Resources and Education (CORE) is a one-stop shop for some 40 webinars, journal self-study, and other continuing education offerings.