The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Description:
The Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter serves the 1.5 million people with arthritis or related conditions in our chapter area of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. We fund research, advocate for those with arthritis, provide free information about arthritis, and provide educational and exercise programs. These include warm water aquatics classes, land-based exercise, self-help classes, support groups, public forums, and more. We also hold special events, including an Jingle Bell Run/Walk event, throughout communities in our chapter area to increase awareness and raise funds.

History:
The Arthritis Foundation was started in 1948 when a group of scientists and physicians decided to take action against arthritis. Minnesota wanted a local voice and in 1955 a local chapter was incorporated into the national organization. In 2000, the Minnesota Chapter became a three state chapter when we included the states of North Dakota, and South Dakota and became the North Central Chapter.

Contact people:

Kristen Hoplin, (phone), (email) Amy Batchelder, Project Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (651) 644-4219

Address:

1902 Minnehaha Ave West St. Paul, MN 55104 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.arthritis.org