Grant funding will improve health-related quality of life for thousands of Americans living with arthritis
Ashburn, Va. (September 29, 2016) — The National Recreation and Park Association, a network of more than 52,000 park and recreation professionals and advocates, was awarded nearly $2 million in grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in support of the expansion and delivery of arthritis-appropriate, evidence based interventions (AAEBIs) at local park and recreation agencies. Funding provided by the CDC will also aid in strengthening connections between healthcare providers and parks and recreation — an increasing theme with programs such as Park Prescriptions.
As health and wellness leaders, park and recreation agencies are committed to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve. Many of these communities, however, have limited access to health resources, high levels of poverty and high rates of chronic disease, including arthritis. With the CDC’s support, NRPA is committed to helping park and recreation agencies provide support to a portion of the 52.5 million adults with arthritis.
Over the next five years NRPA will provide:
- 100,000 people with access to arthritis intervention programming through parks and recreation
- 500,000 people with access to information about arthritis intervention programming through parks and recreation
- 1,000 park and recreation professionals with arthritis intervention training licenses
“We are incredibly thankful for the CDC’s support in helping expand the number of park and recreation agencies that offer arthritis intervention programming,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA President and CEO. “Through their generous support we will be able to improve the health and wellness of thousands of people living in underserved areas that have limited access to health care resources and modern interventions.”
Park and recreation agencies are at the frontline helping people combat arthritis and other debilitating diseases. Since 2013, NRPA has been working to expand the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease (WWE) program in parks and recreation. Through the WWE program, park and recreation agencies have been successful helping people reduce arthritic pain and improve their overall health. Participants of the WWE program implemented by the City of Buckeye Community Services Department in Arizona experienced “drastic improvements” that included weight loss, improved strength and flexibility, and more energy and stamina. Additional park and recreation success stories are available here.
To learn more about NRPA’s arthritis intervention work, visit www.nrpa.org/arthritis/.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
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About The National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 52,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.