
A New Year’s Message from
CAPA’s President
We wish you all a happy New Year! In her annual New Year’s Message, CAPA President, Linda Wilhelm, recounts CAPA’s 2023 accomplishments. From the resources developed with occupational therapist, Bella Cairns, to another graduating class from our patient partner in research training programs. She also highlights the importance of self-care, something many people living with arthritis can attest to.
What have we been up to?
Patient partners ready for research – Our newest patient partners have graduated from our beginner and intermediate/advanced Patient Partner in Research Training Programs. They are ready to be involved in any CIHR project grant proposals! Learn more about our patient partners here. DM us or email us at contact@arthritispatient.ca to get connected.
Article in the Journal of Patient Experience – CAPA President, Linda Wilhelm, wrote an article called A Journey Through Tapering. She discusses living with rheumatoid arthritis and her experience being prescribed opioids and tapering off of them. It was published in the Journal of Patient Experience last month. You can read it online here!
Policy submissions – Last month, we were busy working on our policy submissions for the Canada Disability Benefit and Patented Medicine Prices Review Board consultations. To learn more about these submissions, please visit our website.
2023 recap – As a small but mighty organization, we accomplished a lot in 2023! We created numerous resources, hosted webinars, submitted to several policy consultations, collaborated with other organizations, and more. Check out everything we accomplished last year in this infographic. We hope to accomplish just as much, if not more, during 2024!
COVID-19 Vaccines Webinar recording available – In case you missed it, our COVID-19 vaccines and inflammatory arthritis webinar is now available to watch on our YouTube channel. Moderated by CAPA Vice-President, Dr. Dawn Richards, it includes a discussion with a panel of experts including Nadine Lalonde, Dr. Inés Colmegna, and Dr. Dawn Bowdish. You can watch the webinar here!
Get Involved!
Stay Informed
Make Rheum For Youth resources – With the return to school and work this month, we are pleased to release the latest findings about accessing workplace accommodations and attending school with a rheumatic condition from the Make Rheum for Youth survey which was a collaboration with the Take a Pain Check Foundation. Check out the survey findings here!
NACI Recommends Spring Vaccine for Immunocompromised – Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) says vulnerable groups, such as those who are 65 years or older, long-term care home residents, and moderately to severely immunocompromised will be eligible for another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more here.
Protect yourself from COVID-19 – The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) shares an article about the ongoing challenges the elderly and immunocompromised face with COVID-19. They discuss the transmission of the virus and the efficacy of vaccines, calling for people to stay vigilant and protect vulnerable populations.