Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Due to increased local interest, Kosciusko Community Hospital is working to establish an arthritis support group open to the public within the next three months.
"The idea to begin this program came about in a very synchronistic fashion. We were contacted by residents, the Arthritis Foundation and DePuy all within a month regarding the issue. Something had to be done," Joy Lohse, KCH marketing and public relations director, said.
The support group hopes to be educationally driven and based on communication between the hospital and group attendants. Meetings are scheduled to take place every two months and will be held at the KCH Health and Wellness Center. Evening hours are anticipated, but are subject to change pending public reaction.
The support group will consist of various experts in arthritis-related fields. KCH hopes to educate group participants with speeches and focused explanations from internal medicine pharmacists, physical therapists, family practitioners, dietitians and orthopedic surgeons.
"We're planning on providing the most up-to-date information on treating arthritis; everything from exercise, medication, nutrition, pain management and surgical operations," Lohse said.
While Lohse does not anticipate a large funding need, KCH will cover any costs incurred and DePuy plans to supply any educational material presented. The local company worked alongside KCH in creating the idea for the support group.
"DePuy is quite a catalyst to help get this program moving. They have helped plant the seed as a community partner," Lohse said.
