TORONTO, April 27, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Arthritis Society and Pfizer Canada Inc. will join forces to support the education and empowerment of the 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis. As The Arthritis Society's first-ever National Education Partner, Pfizer will contribute $1 million over three years to help build and deliver educational programs across Canada and online.
"Pfizer has stepped forward as a leader and partner as we work to raise the bar for arthritis care in Canada," said Janet Yale, president and CEO of The Arthritis Society. "Empowering Canadians to better manage arthritis is key to improving the quality of life for the people we serve. It also works to reduce the toll of arthritis on families, on the health care system and on the economy."
"We've long recognized the valuable work of The Arthritis Society, and we are pleased to be able to serve in a new capacity as National Education Partner," said John Helou, President, Pfizer Canada. "A key aspect of living with arthritis is improving your quality of life and reducing pain – goals that we can tackle more effectively as collaborators and partners."
Funds invested will support a variety of educational resources including online training programs, in-person workshops & public forums as well as print resources for people living with arthritis and those who are newly diagnosed.
About The Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years. Dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis, The Society is Canada's principal health charity providing education, programs and support to the over 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has been the largest non-government funder of arthritis research in Canada, investing nearly $190 million in projects that have led to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with arthritis. The Arthritis Society is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program. For more information and to make a donation, visit www.arthritis.ca.
About Pfizer Canada
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve patients' lives. Pfizer is a major contributor to health research in Canada. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).