Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) has been appointed by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver to serve on the New Jersey Advisory Council on Arthritis, which plays a vital role in helping to raise public awareness, better educate healthcare professionals and establish much-needed programs and services for both adults and children suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
Benson, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee, welcomed the new opportunity to continue playing a hands-on role in improving the health and quality of life for New Jersey’s residents.
“I know how crippling and costly a chronic disease like arthritis can be,” said Benson. “I’ve seen the painful effect it has had on family members and friends in our community and I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and being a productive member of this advisory council. The more we know about arthritis and the earlier we detect it, the more treatable and less painful it will be for individuals suffering from it. I’d like to thank the Speaker for entrusting me with this responsibility.”
According to the CDC, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, with roughly 50 million, or 1-in-5, adults having doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Additionally, an estimated 294,000 children under age 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition.
Since its establishment in 1999, the 23-member council has played an integral role in monitoring and offering input into all arthritis activities, including public information and outreach campaigns; professional education programs; programs and services aimed at prevention, reducing complications and improving quality of life; and the overall information, referral and support network for people with arthritis.