Section 13-504 - Purpose of subtitleThe purposes of this subtitle are to:
(1) Create and foster a statewide program that promotes public awareness and increases knowledge about the causes of arthritis, the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management, effective prevention strategies, and pain prevention and management;(2) Enhance understanding of arthritis by disseminating to patients, health professionals, and the public: (i) Educational materials;(ii) Information on research results;(iii) Information on services provided; and(iv) Strategies for prevention and control;(3) Establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention of arthritis and related disability through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research;(4) Utilize educational and training resources and services developed by organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of arthritis and use available technical assistance;(5) Evaluate the need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based arthritis services;(6) Increase awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of arthritis among State and local health officials, providers, professionals, and policy makers;(7) Implement and coordinate State and local programs and services to reduce the public health burden of arthritis; and(8) Improve the quality of life and contain health care costs for individuals with arthritis and their families.