New Web Site Promotes Understanding of Arthritis to Journalists and Public

Columbia, Mo. (July 28, 2004) — The Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC) at the University of Missouri-Columbia is launching a new Web site as part of their nationwide campaign to improve media coverage on arthritis and arthritis-related disabilities.

Designed to help both members of the media and the public in their understanding of arthritis and related conditions, the site offers the latest in medical research conducted by MARRTC investigators and outside institutions, as well as feature and news articles, local, regional and national statistics and links to searchable databases.

Journalists using the site will find useful elements such as a compilation of sensitivity guidelines on writing about disability, a glossary of commonly used medical terms, and information on diseases and conditions and a wealth of other resources.

Consumers can use the latest news about arthritis from both mainstream media and specialized medical sources. Missourians can easily locate their local Regional Arthritis Center (RAC) using the site's Community Resources page. This page also lists ongoing educational, recreational and exercise classes taking place at all seven regional arthritis centers.

Every American on average will spend some 15 years of his or her life with some form of disability. About 70 million Americans live with some form of arthritis or a related condition, twice the number of those suffering from cancer and heart disease combined.

The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.

As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions.