To the editor:
Members of our armed forces sacrifice a lot for their country, including their health. With help from Congress, we can reduce the physical, financial and societal toll of one of the leading causes of disability for those who serve in our military: arthritis.
Arthritis is rampant in our military, affecting one in three veterans. It is the second leading cause of medical discharge from the U.S. Army, second only to battlefield wounds. Yet despite epidemic-level rates, there is no dedicated research budget at the Department of Defense to study arthritis prevention, treatment and cures.
This is a public health crisis that must be addressed by creating a stand-alone arthritis research program at the DoD.
The money’s already there: The DoD operates Congressionally dedicated medical research programs for more than 20 diseases, many of which are not specific to military service. Meanwhile, arthritis competes with 30 other medical topics in a general research budget, so funding is not guaranteed. Congress has the power to set aside $20 million of that existing budget for arthritis research. This research can help us understand how to prevent the injuries that lead to arthritis, reduce the health costs associated with life-long medical care, and unlock new treatments and cures for all Americans living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Our service members living with arthritis have answered the call to serve their country. Now it’s time for Congress to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Gwenesta Melton, M.D.
Fayetteville