Monthly Member Spotlight: Arthritis Foundation - Osteoarthritis Action Alliance

November 17, 2022

The Osteoarthritis (OA) Action Alliance is a national coalition of member organizations mobilized widely by the efforts of the Arthritis Foundation. As our partner, our close friends at the Arthritis Foundation share the same goal of promoting effective policy solutions and addressing the individual and national toll of OA.

Arthritis Foundation logo The Arthritis Foundation is committed to science & research efforts focused on developing effective arthritis treatments. They have recently joined a research partnership called The Ankle Arthritis Think Tank, which will provide $600,000 in merit-based grants for research focused on ankle OA treatment. They also provide connections & empowerment to those who are challenged with arthritis. From support groups for people with arthritis and their loved ones to their webinars and podcasts, they have a number of resources to address the issues of challenges of arthritis. Walk With Ease is an additional fitness program offered by the Arthritis Foundation to promote exercise as a preventive combatant to arthritis. We have invited our member organization the Arthritis Foundation to discuss their mission in our Monthly Member Spotlight!

An Interview with Nick Turkas, Senior Director of Patient Education and Community Connections

Nick Turkas is a Senior Director of Patient Education and Community Connections with the Arthritis Foundation, who he has worked with since 2007. He co-authored the “Osteoarthritis Public Agenda” (2020) and authored the Aging in Action Newsletter for the Virginia Center on Aging (2012). He is the recipient of the Chapter Program Staff Professional Achievement Award by the Arthritis Foundation. Nick works within the foundation to develop and execute overall patient education and health promotion strategies focused on the needs of patients, supported by research.

1. What is your organization’s interest in the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance? The Arthritis Foundation supports the OA Action Alliance’s goal to increase attention to OA and provide resources for patients, healthcare providers and public health professionals.

2. What is a headline you’d like to see about osteoarthritis in five years? “Osteoarthritis Cured Discovered!”

3. What do you think is the most important issue today related to osteoarthritis? The two key issues are prevention through healthy weight and physical activity and identifying viable medical treatments to treat OA.

4. How does your work connect to issues in osteoarthritis? The prevention, management, and cure of OA is central to the Arthritis Foundation.

5. What is one interesting fact you’d like people to know about your organization? Our Connect (support) Groups are available online and in-person. We’ve recently added new groups that meet to discuss a specific topic or share a common identity.

To learn more about the Arthritis Foundation’s Live Yes! Connect Groups, please click HERE. Meetings are held virtually, so participants may join from anywhere in the country. Groups are organized by topic or type, including African-Americans, Hispanic, LGBTQIA+, Military & Veterans, and more!