WA HR4670

Recognizes May as Arthritis Awareness Month in Washington state, aligning with the federal designation established in 1972

More than 1.25 million Washington residents live with arthritis, with 634,000 adults experiencing activity limitations and 38.8% of working-age adults facing work limitations due to the condition

Arthritis affects approximately 54 million American adults (24.1% nationwide, 22.9% in Washington) and 300,000 children under age 18

Annual U.S. economic cost exceeds $304 billion, including $140 billion in direct medical costs and $164 billion in lost wages

One in three U.S. veterans lives with arthritis, making it the leading cause of disability among veterans, who account for 17.6% of adults with arthritis in Washington state