Global Healthy Living Foundation Partners with RhAPP to Expand Polymyalgia Rheumatica Patient Education

UPPER NYACK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) and the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) organization announced a partnership to expand access to patient-friendly educational resources for people living with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and the caregivers who support them.

RhAPP is a U.S. organization dedicated to supporting rheumatology advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists through education, collaboration, and professional development. The organization works to strengthen rheumatology care by equipping APPs with the tools and resources needed to improve patient outcomes.

With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), GHLF is working to develop and disseminate educational resources that help patients better understand PMR, navigate treatment decisions, and manage life with the condition. The partnership with RhAPP builds on these efforts, helping extend the reach of these resources to clinicians and APPs who work directly with people living with PMR every day. As part of the collaboration, GHLF and RhAPP will work together to bring patient-friendly PMR information directly to rheumatology APPs through a range of engagement efforts, including conference participation, newsletter outreach, and educational discussions with local RhAPP chapters.

“PMR can be confusing and isolating, especially for patients who don't know where to turn for reliable information,” said Shilpa Venkatachalam, PhD, MPH, Chief Patient-Centered Research and Ethical Oversight Officer at GHLF.

“For years, GHLF has worked to close that gap with education that helps patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care. Advanced practice providers are often the ones spending the most time with patients’ day to day, which makes them uniquely positioned to put that information into action. Partnering with RhAPP, lets us share resources, and build a direct line between trusted patient education and the clinicians so patients and caregivers are more confident managing PMR.”

This partnership is especially important because PMR can significantly impact quality of life, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, fatigue, and difficulty with daily activities. Accessible educational resources can help patients better understand their diagnosis, prepare for conversations with clinicians, and feel more empowered in managing their care.

"Advanced practice providers play an essential role in rheumatology care, serving as trusted partners in diagnosing, guiding treatment, educating patients, and providing ongoing support critical to managing conditions such as PMR. At RhAPP, we believe that exceptional rheumatology care extends beyond making the right diagnosis or prescribing the right treatment, it also means ensuring patients have the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in their care. Rheumatology APPs are uniquely positioned to educate, counsel, and empower patients throughout their disease journey, making trusted educational resources an invaluable part of every clinical conversation. We are proud to partner with the Global Healthy Living Foundation to bring high-quality, patient-friendly PMR resources to our community. Together, we can strengthen patient-provider communication, empower individuals living with polymyalgia rheumatica and their caregivers, and ultimately improve the experience and outcomes of those navigating this challenging disease," said Amanda Mixon, PA-C, President, RhAPP.

Individuals interested in learning more about PMR can explore the following resources:

• Learn PMR — a resource designed for public health professionals and clinicians (https://ghlf.org/pmr/)
• LivePMR — a patient- and caregiver-focused educational platform (https://ghlf.org/livepmr/)

About the Global Healthy Living Foundation

The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with chronic illness through advocacy, education, and patient-centered research.

About RhAPP

RhAPP is a professional organization focused on advancing rheumatology care by supporting advanced practice providers through education, networking, and collaboration opportunities that strengthen patient care nationwide.