FOR RELEASE: October 26, 2004
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Probable Origin of Rheumatoid Arthritis in USA
Topic for Nov. 3 Oklahoma Arthritis Network Meeting

Rheumatoid arthritis and the probable North American origin of rheumatoid arthritis will be the focus of a presentation at the Nov. 3 meeting of the Oklahoma Arthritis Network. Guest speaker, Hal Scofield, M.D., with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, will discuss the “Medical Consequences of Columbus’s Voyage including Rheumatoid Arthritis.”

The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Room 314, Oklahoma City. The meeting is open to the public.

According to the 2004 Arthritis Data Report, “The Painful Truth,” approximately one in three adult Oklahomans has some type of arthritis or reports having possible arthritis. Specifically, 28.4 percent of the Oklahoma adult population has doctor-diagnosed arthritis and 17.4 percent report having possible arthritis. This data does not reflect children who have juvenile arthritis, or people who suffer from neck or back pain.

In addition to the Oklahoma City location, the meeting will be offered via videoconference at these county health departments:

Tulsa City - County Health Department
5051 S. 129th East Avenue, Tulsa
Call (405) 271-9444, ext. 56410 if you will be attending in Tulsa

Comanche County Health Department
1010 South Sheridan Road, Lawton
(580) 585-6617, Ask for Leola Garrett

LeFlore County Health Department
1212 Reynolds, Poteau
(918) 647-8601, Ask for Mickey Foster

The Oklahoma Arthritis Network (OAN) features various speakers and presentations for the public to help maximize the quality of life for Oklahomans with arthritis and related health conditions through developing resources, promoting access to health care and offering public health education programs. Currently, there are about 100 public and private health and non-health related organizations in the OAN.

For more information about arthritis, and to learn more about upcoming speakers, presentations, and activities available, call Marisa New at 405/271-9444, ext. 56410.

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