Support a Nationwide Arthritis Program. The CDC Arthritis Program is the only federal program solely dedicated to arthritis and it plays a critical role in improving how this chronic disease is understood and managed nationwide. Yet the future of this program is at risk. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget allocated just $2 million to the CDC Arthritis Program – a $9 million cut that would make it difficult, if not impossible, to sustain both national and state grant programs. This reduction threatens disease management resources to help people with arthritis better manage symptoms and research that could improve health outcomes.  

At the national level, the program funds organizations that have a broad impact across the country and funds longitudinal research. This includes grants for national programs like the Arthritis Foundation Helpline, which provides trusted information and direct support to people living with arthritis. In 2025 alone, the Helpline handled an average of 342 inquires per month and distributed approximately 38 information mailings monthly. 

At the state level, the program supports 12 states to tailor self-management programs to their unique needs, serving hundreds of thousands of people with arthritis.

Restoring funding to the program will require a lot of legislator support, and we want to build champions who will demand a reversal of these cuts. Please let your legislators know how important it is to protect funding for this program. Please take a few minutes to personalize your message and urge Congress to continue investing in the CDC Arthritis Program.