The Eastern Missouri Regional Arthritis Center (EMRAC) is one of seven such regional centers established in Missouri by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The seven RACs all partner with the Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP).
The RAC is designed to offer arthritis education programs to community members, allied health professionals, and physicians. It is managed by Washington University's School of Medicine.
The center serves the greater St. Louis area (St. Louis City) and 11 counties including: Crawford, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, St. Louis, Warren, and Washington.
The mission of the MAOP and the Regional Arthritis Centers is to reduce the burden of rheumatic disease by promoting optimal health and quality of life for all Missourians affected by arthritis, rheumatic diseases and related musculoskeletal conditions through prevention, early intervention, education, service and collaboration.
Services available at the Eastern Missouri Regional Arthritis Center:
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) A program designed specifically for people with arthritis, taught by certified instructors throughout the Eastern Missouri service area.
Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program (AFAP) A warm water exercise program designed for people with arthritis, taught by certified instrutors throughout the Eastern Missouri service area.
Newsletter A free e-newsletter is distributed monthly with columns such as "Ask the Physician" and a calendar of upcoming events and programs.
Physician Referral Directory A listing of board certified rheumatologists is available upon request.
Free Literature Over 100 different free brohures are available on topics such as Osteoarthritis, Nutrition and Managing Fatigue. Books and DVDs are available for a low cost.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) A six week class led by certified instructors full of tools to manage a chronic disease, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, that includes topics such as Nutrition, Communication with Healthcare Providers and Action Plans.
Arthritis Self-Help Tool-Kit A toolkit full of resources to manage arthritis, such as an exercise cd and the Arthritis Helpbook.
Financial Assistance and Durable Medical Equipment Scholarships For those that qualify, help is available for arthritis medications, Arthritis Foundation classes and to purchase durable medical equipement.
Walk With Ease Program (WWE) Held in both group and independent formats. Group is a six week class led by certified instructors and independent is completed by an individual. Both formats offer materials and instruction to help reduce pain associated with arthritis, to manage one's health, and to develop a personalized walking plan that meets individual needs.
