Reporting from the Canadian Rheumatology Association meeting…
We were very busy at the Canadian Rheumatology Association annual meeting held in Quebec City from February 8 – 11. Our very own, Laurie Proulx, presented at a workshop on shared decision making with Natasha Trehan from Take a Pain Check and they developed infographics based on a survey of people with arthritis (thank you for your feedback!). She also presented at a workshop about reproductive health with Dr. Neda Amiri and Dr. Mary da Vera who both presented their research. You can view the infographic and presentations on our website.
What have we been up to?
Federal budget submission – Together with Arthritis Society Canada, we developed a federal budget submission to highlight the needs of people with arthritis across Canada. We highlighted the need to address wait times for joint replacement surgeries, timely access to treatment, the Canada Disability Benefit, among other issues. You can read our submission which is now available on our website.
Our strategic plan now available! Our board of directors all live with various forms of arthritis and we met late last year to establish our patient-centred priorities for 2023. We are proud to share our 2023 strategic plan and report on our accomplishments in 2022 which are now available on our website. Feel free to reach out if you have any feedback to share or wish to support our work!
Lupus highlighted in Canadian Skin Magazine – Nadine Lalonde, an active member of the CAPA community, wrote an article for the Canadian Skin Magazine about living with systemic lupus erythematosus, a form of inflammatory arthritis. She shares the impact of living with lupus including some of the skin challenges she faces. Read her article on page 10 of the magazine to learn more!
Get Involved!
We have many resources for you! – We have resources for you on a range of topics, including a decision aid about the COVID-19 vaccine and resources for adults and children to help take Methotrexate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel to stay up to date on the latest arthritis and advocacy information!
Stay Informed
New Ontario biosimilars policy – Do you live in Ontario and take a biologic payed for by the provincial drug program? If so, you could be affected by a new Ontario policy about biosimilar drug treatments. Learn more by reading the announcement and contact your rheumatologist to discuss any specific questions or concerns. We have a number of resources about biosimilars including a tip sheet of questions for your rheumatologist, and videos explaining the differences between originator biologics and biosimilars.
New tool about income support and employment programs! The Canadian Psoriasis Network, Unmasking Psoriasis, and Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients developed a resource for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to help navigate the financial and employment support programs available. Check out their new mapping tool so you can find and keep employment, pay for medications and assistive devices, access income support and save for the future.