We're thankful for YOU this Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we gather to give thanks this holiday season, we at Jackson Orthopedic Foundation want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for you.

Whether you’re advancing the health of your community through your work as a clinician or supporting nonprofits like ours, your dedication to creating a healthier, happier world inspires us every day.

Together, we’re tackling urgent healthcare challenges

Did you know:

• Arthritis prevalence is rising: Over 54 million adults in the U.S. are affected today, with numbers expected to grow to 78.4 million by 2040.
• Activity limitations are increasing: Currently, 23.7 million Americans face arthritis-attributable activity limitations—a number expected to rise to 34.6 million by 2040.
• Musculoskeletal diseases are widespread: More than 1 in 2 adults in the U.S. aged 18 and older, and 3 in 4 seniors, suffer from musculoskeletal diseases.
• MSK conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide, accounting for 17.1% of all years lived with disability (YLDs).
• In particular, low back pain is the No. 1 cause of disability worldwide, responsible for 7.4% of all YLDs.
• Workplace injuries, sports trauma, and road accidents are major contributors to the MSK burden globally, highlighting the need for targeted prevention.
• Economic costs are staggering: MSK conditions, including arthritis and back pain, cost the U.S. economy billions annually, making them among the top causes of work limitations.
• Training gaps exist: Despite their prevalence, nursing and medical schools offer limited musculoskeletal training, and these conditions receive far less research funding compared to other health areas.
  

Our mission: closing the gap

With fewer orthopedic physicians, limited training in schools, and an aging population, the demand for primary care solutions is rising. That’s why Jackson Orthopedic Foundation’s Orthopedic Primary Care (OPC) program is dedicated to empowering clinicians to meet this demand.

Our nationally accredited courses—offered online, in-person, and as hybrid options —equip clinicians with specialized skills to:

• Improve function and reduce pain for patients.
• Prevent re-injury and effectively manage chronic conditions.
• Save costs by reducing unnecessary referrals.

Thanks to our donors, we’re also able to provide scholarships for clinicians who face financial barriers, ensuring that education is accessible to all.

How you can help

This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact:

• Advance your expertise: Explore our nationally accredited courses and expand your skills to better serve your patients. Check Out Our Courses.
  
• Support clinical education: Your donation helps us offer scholarships and continue our mission of improving MSK care. Donate Today - or join us 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 for our 7th Annual Canes fundraising event in Lafayette, California.
• Spread the word: Share our programs with your colleagues to raise awareness about the urgent need for MSK training and care.

Thank you

We couldn’t do this without you. For over 25 years, Jackson Orthopedic Foundation has been working to close the gaps in MSK care, thanks to your support and partnership.

Together, we’re building a future where every patient has access to the care they need to move, live, and thrive.

From all of us at Jackson Orthopedic Foundation, thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Thanksgiving!