<p> Why Is Data Important?</p><p>Help us help people with arthritis Data from your quarterly attendance reports is instrumental in sustaining support for programs for the 3.7 million of people with arthritis residing in Florida. It is the mission of the Arthritis Foundation to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis. Thanks to federal and other funding, numerous studies have shown that the Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series programs result in significant positive benefits for participants --such as a DECREASE in doctor visits, pain, and depression and an INCREASE in self-efficacy, mobility, and knowledge. Your data help us obtain and maintain funding to support the delivery of these high-quality programs and to expand services to those not currently benefiting from them. </p><p>Help us help you The compiled statistics on numbers of people reached are used in a variety of ways that ultimately result in more resources that help us better serve you. We need to show nationwide penetration of the programs to engage major partners. Key funding agencies and other supporters want to see our capacity to deliver programs as a condition for funding. Obtaining external funding allows us to provide more support to you—which may allow us to provide you with such benefits as complimentary or reduced training costs, free or reduced-cost program materials, marketing materials and greater promotional support as well as other benefits. Sending us the standard data form also ensures that we have your classes listed correctly on our program listing and our Web site so we can help you increase your number of patrons and your visibility in the community.</p><p>Help us be accountable In these days of tight resources, there is an increased emphasis on accountability. Our existing funding agencies (which include Congress, CDC, United Way, local foundations, and businesses) and donors want to know that we are spending our very limited resources wisely. We rely on quarterly attendance reports from your AF classes to show how many people are being reached and are benefiting from exercise and self-management programs. Having this data helps us show a return on investment to our donors and ensure continued support. If we are unable to document our reach, then expansion of the programs to people with arthritis in other areas is jeopardized. In the rare occasion of any legal action, we also must be able to document an individual’s participation in the classes.</p><p>How you can help Send us your completed Program Information Form and Participant Release Forms to: WHO: Susan Cuellar Florida Chapter VP Mission Delivery WHERE: Arthritis Foundation 3816 W. Linebaugh Ave., #303 Tampa, FL 33618 WHEN: 1st Quarter (January thru March) Deadline: April 15th 2nd Quarter (April thru June) Deadline: July 15th 3rd Quarter (July thru September) Deadline: October 15th 4th Quarter (October thru January) Deadline: January 15th</p>