A total of 300,000 children live with the horrific pain of juvenile arthritis in the United States.  But there are fewer than 350 board-certified and practicing pediatric rheumatologists in this country, mostly clustered in big cities.

This shortage means tens of thousands of children do not have timely access to a pediatric rheumatologist. Only one-quarter of children with arthritis are currently able to see a pediatric rheumatologist. Currently, pediatric subspecialty fellows and trainees are not eligible for medical education loan relief under programs such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC).

House bill H.R. 1859 and Senate bill S. 2782, Ensuring Children’s Access to Specialty Care Act, would make pediatric subspecialists like pediatric rheumatologists eligible for NHSC loan relief in exchange for two years of practice in a rural or underserved area.  Access to pediatric rheumatologists is critical because childhood arthritis can range from mild to life-threatening, so early diagnosis is important for disease management and disease progression. Treatment of arthritis is complex and there is much potential co-morbidity, such as uveitis (arthritis of the eye) that left untreated can lead to blindness and TMJ.

You can make a difference in the lives of these children by contacting your Senators and Representative and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 1859 and S. 2782 and to work to ensure the passing of this bill that would help ensure children in areas with pediatric rheumatology shortages have access to providers best suited to meet their needs. Don’t be silent, these children need your voice to speak for them. Arthritis is no respecter of persons, what if this were your child, your grandchild, your niece, your nephew?

Don’t delay, make that call or send that email today to Sen. Shelby, Sen. Sessions and your Representative. Be respectful, be polite and together our voices will be the voices of 300,000 children.

 

Cindy Criswell Ducker

Arthritis Foundation Ambassador