HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4670
HR 4670
By Representative Simmons
WHEREAS, Arthritis includes more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, tissues surrounding joints, and other connective tissues; and
WHEREAS, Arthritis is a chronic health condition and the leading cause of physical disability among adults in the United States, and it is especially common among people with multiple chronic conditions; and
WHEREAS, More than 634,000 adults in Washington state experience activity limitations caused by arthritis; and
WHEREAS, Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement, can limit everyday activities such as walking and dressing, and can contribute to serious health complications; and
WHEREAS, Arthritis affects an estimated 54 million American adults, representing approximately 24.1 percent of adults nationwide and 22.9 percent of adults in Washington state; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 300,000 children under the age of 18 in the United States live with arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, representing approximately one in every 250 children; and
WHEREAS, Arthritis costs the United States economy more than $304 billion annually, including $140 billion in direct medical costs and $164 billion in lost wages; and
WHEREAS, More than 1.25 million Washington residents, including children and adults, live with arthritis; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, 30.5 percent of adults with diabetes and 36.5 percent of adults with cardiovascular disease also have arthritis; and