title: Spondylitis association of America: the member-directed, nonprofit health organization addressing the needs of ankylosing spondylitis patients.
abstract: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) involves a spinal arthritis that affects young adults, with an onset usually between 17 and 35 years of age. Although historically underdiagnosed, AS strikes at least 1 million Americans. Enhancing the quality of lives of AS patients in the United States is one of the goals of the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA). To this end, the SAA strives to expand the knowledge and resources available for AS patients and for health professionals. This article explores how the SAA addresses the needs of patients living with spondylitis. This article explains that through its effective collaborations, the SAA dedicates itself to the eradication of AS and related diseases through education, advocacy, awareness, and research.
authors.affiliation: Spondylitis Association of America, 14827 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 222, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Jane C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Bruckel
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States