The Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (Program) at the Department of Health (Department) was established in 1998 as a result of Act 71.  The Program provides leadership and direction for program development at the state and local level. 

The focus of the Department’s Program is to raise public awareness and educate consumers, healthcare professionals, teachers, and human service providers on the causes and effects of osteoporosis, risk factors, early detection, and options for diagnosis and treatment.

The Department supports the efforts of six Health District Chronic Disease Nurse Consultants, ten County Municipal Health Departments, and other partnerships to provide community-based osteoporosis outreach and educational programs.  Established prevention and health promotion programs target at-risk and disparate groups in the following Bone Health Age categories:  Bone Building Years (infancy to 30), Bone Maintenance Years (ages 31-50), and Bone Loss Years (ages 51 and older).

Through the planning efforts of stakeholders statewide, the Pennsylvania Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Strategic Plan (Plan) was released in September 2004.  The Plan provides direction to develop state and community strategies to help reduce burden of osteoporosis on the citizens of Pennsylvania .