This bill is currently in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1210/S 984). It will:
- Allow more people to be diagnosed early and avoid pain;
- Establish a juvenile arthritis population database to better understand the disease in children and their treatment
- Enhance support for pediatric rheumatology training programs
- Establish a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologiists to address the country's shortage of these critical health professionals.
There is so much more in this bill and, if interested, I recommend you take a good look at it. In the meantime, the Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation's Tucson office, a child with juvenile arthritis, their parent and I will be visiting with a representative of Gabrielle Gifford's office (Mr. Zimmerman) to learn the status of this Bill and when Congresswoman Giffords anticipates it will be passed. And, yes, I will let you know the results of that meeting. I'm optimistic.
I'm learning that with passion for a cause comes impatience. Please keep me focused, friends.
