Join us in Celebrating Arthritis Awareness Month!
Save the date for a CAPA-hosted Twitter chat on arthritis and pregnancy/parenting! The event will be held on September 26th at 7 p.m. EST in support of Arthritis Awareness month. Please consider participating and sharing the event details with anyone interested in this important topic.
Health Canada Symposium on Opioids
CAPA Executive and Board members Linda Wilhelm and Dawn Richards attended and presented at a Health Canada symposium on opioids. Linda and Dawn used the results of the CAPA-led survey during their presentations on the unintended consequences of the opioid crisis on people living with chronic pain and the barriers to accessing opioids for treating chronic pain. Linda and Dawn (centre of picture) also attended an evening roundtable about chronic pain with the Federal Minister of Health, the honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor and hosted by Health Canada. On behalf of CAPA members, we have written a letter to thank the Minister of Health and to indicate that we would be pleased to continue discussions on behalf of Canadians who live with chronic pain.
What have we been up to?
New Brunswick Pre-Election Town Hall – CAPA co-hosted a pre-election Town Hall on July 31 with Save your Skin Foundation in Moncton, New Brunswick (NB). The NB Minister of Health and Green Party leader outlined their perspectives on healthcare and Globe and Mail health reporter André Picard was the keynote speaker. CAPA President, Linda Wilhelm presented on some of the key challenges for people living with arthritis in NB. Learn more by reading Linda’s article about her experiences at the Town Hall!
CADTH Patient Input Submissions – Together with The Arthritis Society, we have provided a patient input submission for Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) for the treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis.CAPA President, Linda Wilhelm also presented at a CADTH webinar on how patients can contribute to the CADTH symposium given her extensive experience as a speaker, abstract reviewer and in developing abstracts.
Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Drug Tapering: A Tale of Two Patients – CAPA Vice-Presidents, Dawn Richards and Laurie Proulx, were highlighted in this research project by Dr. Glen Hazlewood. Dr. Hazlewood is working to more fully understand the preferences of patients when it comes to drug tapering and Dawn and Laurie shared their personal stories and concerns in this article in the University of Calgary’s publication.
Resources now Available in French and Spanish – A number of CAPA’s resources are now available in French and Spanish – check out the French version of the Pregnancy and Parenting with Arthritis resource, and the Spanish version of a resource about pairing Methotrexate with Biologic Treatments. A big thank you to the Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA) and Liga Reumatolóxica Galega for translating these resource on our behalf!
Get Involved!
Have your say about National Pharmacare! CAPA representatives have attended a number of the Health Canada consultations on the implementation of a national pharmacare program. You can contribute your ideas to the online discussion forum (note you need to pre-register) and complete the online questionnaire. There is a public forum being held in Toronto on September 24th and pre-registration is required. Tell the government what your concerns are and how to implement a national pharmacare program that meets the needs of people living with arthritis!
Contribute to the discussion on Pain Research Priorities – The Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) – Institute for Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) is hosting a webinar on October 3, to obtain input on pain research priorities. The webinar will be hosted by the IMHA Scientific Director, Dr Karim Khan, and pain researcher Dr Christine Chambers. Access the webinar on October 3 by following this link.
Stay Informed!
Considering Orthopedic Surgery? If you live with arthritis, you may be a candidate for orthopaedic surgery. Look no further than these educational resources developed by the Canadian Orthopedic Association on hip and knee replacement surgeries, foot and ankle surgery, hand and wrist surgery, and other orthopaedic surgeries. Get informed to help make the right decision for you!
Reaching Out with Arthritis Research (ROAR event) –Become an active partner in your care and learn more about the latest in arthritis research by attending the Reaching out with Arthritis Research (ROAR) event on September 29th from 9:30 to 12:30 PST. Topics to be discussed include arthritis medication and pregnancy, deciding about surgery, and canes, orthotics and footwear. You can attend in person in Vancouver or participate through a webcast. Don’t delay – register now!
An Introduction to Clinical Trials – Ever consider exploring clinical trials but didn’t know where to start? Read this article by CAPA Vice-President, Dawn Richards, describing the clinical trial process and highlighting the stories of patients who have participated in clinical trials. CAPA members provided guidance in the development of the website “It Starts with Me”, which provides helpful information for patients about clinical trials.
Website, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube – Our website, Facebook page, Twitter account and YouTube channel are updated regularly with new information. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to keep up to date on the latest arthritis and advocacy information!