Pat Coutts is the coordinator of the Prince George Arthritis Support Group. She was born in Edmonton, raised in Pouce Coupe, went to high school in Dawson Creek and graduated from the University of British Columbia becoming a teacher. Pat has lived in Prince George for 41 years and has two sons, both of whom where born in Prince George.
Pat has Osteoarthritis and after retiring from teaching, she was looking to gain more knowledge about arthritis and got involved with the local support group. What she enjoys most about her position is the opportunity to share, support and learn from others who suffer with this chronic disease.
The Prince George Arthritis Support Group’s mission is to provide information and support to people who live with arthritis. Members learn appropriate exercises and treatments. The group is also involved in fundraising efforts to support research on the causes of and cures for arthritis.
The support group meets from 1-2 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month - excluding the months of July and August at Studio 2880. Meeting dates and times are usually posted in the Coming Events section of the Prince George Citizen.
The regional director of the Arthritis Society is working to organize sessions in May that will provide information to those living with arthritis. Advance notice for these workshops will be given.
If you would like to make a donation or join the Arthritis Society, you can visit www.arthritis.ca for more information. There is no fee for membership. If you make a donation you can specify that you would like it to be used in Prince George. The Prince George chapter of the Society can be found by visiting www.arthritis.ca, clicking “British Columbia/Yukon” on the left of the page, and then clicking on the “Community Groups” link at the top of the British Columbia/Yukon page. You can also contact Pat at 250-563-6608 or by emailing couttspl@shaw.ca.
