The COVID-19 Pandemic & the ACR’s Response

Shannon Strange

The ACR has been working on many levels to assist the rheumatology community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are focusing our efforts on areas critical for rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals, practices and patients. Because the pandemic poses many clinical and economic challenges, the ACR will continue to monitor this fast-paced, ever-changing situation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Several pages on the ACR website are dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the situation continues to affect the rheumatology community. Also, information has been posted about the work of two ACR task forces formed to explore ways to support rheumatology professionals and your patients during this time.

The Clinical Guidance Task Force has developed and published clinical guidance for the care of adult patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Practice and Advocacy Task Force has created and updated several guidance documents, including approaches to drug shortages, support for telehealth, information about federal stimulus relief aid, guidance for infusions and more.

The ACR is also aware that the recent shift in ways of working, connecting and learning has challenged organizations to adapt to a level of change and uncertainty that is truly unprecedented. Thus, the ACR staff and volunteers are planning the next annual meeting, ACR Convergence 2020, with the safety and well-being of our members, attendees, exhibitors, supporters and staff at the forefront.

Visit Announcements to learn more about the ACR’s efforts during this unprecedented time.