Arthritis Advocacy Organizations Every RA Patient Should Know
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel isolating. The right information and the right people can make a huge difference. That is where advocacy organizations come in.
Advocacy organizations are incredible resource hubs and a place where patients can find community, learn how to navigate treatment decisions, stay up to date on research, and feel less alone in the process. Many also work behind the scenes to improve access to care and push research forward.
If you are living with RA, these organizations can help you:
- Understand your treatment options and how to talk about them with your doctor
- Track symptoms and make sense of disease progression
- Find support from people who actually get it
Below are some of the most impactful US-based organizations doing this work.
The Arthritis Foundation is one of the most established and widely recognized organizations supporting people with arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Their mission spans research, advocacy, and day-to-day patient support.
They fund research aimed at better treatments and cures, while also working to improve access to care through policy and advocacy efforts. On the patient side, they offer a wide range of tools and community programs.
Key programs and resources:
- Community events that bring patients, caregivers, and partners together, such as Walk to Cure Arthritis
- Live Yes! Connect Groups for peer support and shared experiences
- A large library of practical education on managing arthritis is available at arthritis.org.
From SetPoint’s perspective:
We love showing up for the Walk to Cure Arthritis , Jingle Bell Runs and Cycling Experience events. They create real moments of connection in the community and remind patients they are not doing this alone.
CreakyJoints is a digital-first patient community focused on people living with arthritis and related conditions. It is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation and is especially known for making complex medical information easier to understand.
They focus on patient education, real-world data, and amplifying patient voices in research.
Key programs and resources:
- Patient-friendly guides on treatments, medications, and disease management
- PatientSpot, an app to help you track symptoms and contribute to research
- Articles and stories that reflect real patient experiences
From SetPoint’s perspective:
We were honored to partner with CreakyJoints to support patients participating in our RESET-RA trial with educational tools and resources about RA.
The Autoimmune Association supports people across more than 140 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Their work is centered on awareness, education, advocacy, and advancing research.
They are especially helpful for patients who are navigating overlapping conditions or trying to understand the broader autoimmune landscape.
Key programs and resources:
- Educational resources that connect the dots across autoimmune diseases
- Advocacy efforts focused on improving diagnosis timelines and access to care
- National events and initiatives that raise awareness and build community
From SetPoint’s perspective:
We were honored to be featured in their inaugural Autoimmune Summit in 2021 on the Future of Autoimmune Treatment panel, and most recently at the Hope Journey Walk.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all path with rheumatoid arthritis. The more informed and supported you are, the better equipped you will be to navigate it.
These organizations can help you ask better questions, understand your options, and feel more confident in your care decisions. Even just exploring one or two can make a meaningful difference in supporting your journey.
At SetPoint Medical, we are deeply grateful for the tireless dedication of advocacy organizations. Their commitment to amplifying the voices of those living with chronic autoimmune conditions drives meaningful progress — and reminds us every day why our work matters. Their relentless advocacy, education efforts, and support for patients and caregivers are foundational to the progress we’re making together.