WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health is expanding its national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation to help in the advancement of arthritis advocacy, research and patient support.

Under the partnership, the specialty pharmacy arm of CVS Health, called CVS/specialty, is being designated as an Arthritis Foundation Partner for Better Living and as the foundation’s first and only specialty pharmacy partner.

CVS said the designation, announced in advance of World Arthritis Day on Oct. 12, recognizes its specialty pharmacy’s efforts to help people with arthritis and joint pain and builds on the organizations’ long relationship. CVS/pharmacy is currently the exclusive retail drug store partner of the Arthritis Foundation.

“Our expanded partnership with the Arthritis Foundation will allow us to extend our purpose of helping people on their path to better health by supporting an organization dedicated to advancing education, access to care, advancements in science and community connections for people with arthritis,” Alan Lotvin, executive vice president of specialty pharmacy for CVS/caremark, the pharmacy benefits management unit of CVS Health, said in a statement. “CVS/specialty is a different kind of pharmacy with services that offer convenience, care and support for our patients with complex conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, so they have the freedom to focus on every part of their lives, not just their condition.”

A core focus of CVS/specialty is making it easier for patients with complex conditions to start and stay on their medications, CVS noted. CVS/specialty offers the support of a Care Team comprised of pharmacists and nurses who specialize in chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and insurance specialists who help find assistance for those with a financial hardship. Patients also have access to personalized specialty infusion care provided in the home or at an alternative infusion suite. Patients also are offered the choice of picking up medication at their local CVS/pharmacy or having it delivered to their home, office or other location.

In addition, patients have access to online tools and a free mobile app through which they can order refills, track deliveries and get reminders to help them stay on track with their medication regimen.

“We’re pleased to expand the important work we’re doing with CVS Health as the Arthritis Foundation continues to help people living with arthritis conquer every day battles,” stated Ann Palmer, president and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation. “We know that access to information and treatment is crucial for people living with arthritis, and with CVS/specialty as a Partner for Better Living, we are now able to better support the millions of Americans with arthritis, including the 1.5 million with rheumatoid arthritis requiring specialty medicines.”