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News Releases
New Web Site Unveiled to Assist Journalists with Arthritis Coverage
Columbia, Mo. (July 28, 2004) - The Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC) at the Missouri School of Journalism has launched a new Web site, www.marrtc.org, as part of its nation-wide campaign to improve and increase media coverage of arthritis and arthritis-related disabilities. The Web site features a number of useful elements for journalists including arthritis news stories from across the United States; press releases about the latest arthritis research; and news articles that media outlets can reproduce in their publications. A media kit is available at www.marrtc.org/media/virtual.html.
Designed to help both members of the media and the public in their understanding of arthritis and related conditions, the site offers the latest in medical research conducted by MARRTC investigators and outside institutions. Moreover, it contains local, regional and national statistics and links to searchable databases. Journalists using the site also will find other useful features such as a glossary of commonly used medical terms; sensitivity guidelines; information on diseases and conditions; and a wealth of other resources.
"Journalists have the opportunity to pursue stories that go beyond the immediate, late-breaking news and that are aimed at elevating the public debate of important issues that otherwise may remain obscure," says Jerry C. Parker, director of MARRTC and associate chief of staff for research and development at the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital.
The Web site's goal is not only to engender more in-depth discussion about arthritis and arthritis disabilities, but also to bring perspective and context to news coverage of a disease that is anything but simple. MARRTC is teaming up with the Missouri School of Journalism, the National Newspaper Association (NNA) and the Investigative Reporters and Editors organization (IRE) in its goals of increasing awareness and coverage of arthritis.
"Arthritis-related issues are a large and growing concern among the populace served by community newspapers," said Brian Steffens, executive director of the National Newspaper Association. "While community newspapers don't often have a reporter trained or specialized in arthritis issues, the MARRTC Web site provides invaluable free information that will enable community newspapers to better serve their communities."
In addition to assisting journalists, consumers also can use the Web site to learn about the latest arthritis news from both mainstream media and specialized medical sources. Missourians can easily locate their local Regional Arthritis Center (RAC) using the site's Community Resources page. This page also lists ongoing educational, recreational and exercise classes taking place at all seven regional arthritis centers.
About 70 million Americans live with some form of arthritis or a related condition, twice the number of those suffering from cancer and heart disease combined.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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