California Musculoskeletal Health Initiative (CalMSK Initiative)

Bone, joint, and muscle diseases—collectively known as musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions—represent one of California’s most pressing yet under-addressed public health crises. Nationally, these conditions affect more than one out of every two adults (over 126 million Americans), with similar prevalence in California mirroring U.S. trends. In California alone, doctor-diagnosed arthritis impacts approximately 20% of adults (about 7.8 million people), with millions more experiencing chronic back/neck pain, osteoporosis, and related disorders that limit daily activity. Despite this burden, preventive care, early intervention, and coordinated clinical services remain insufficient, leading to unnecessary suffering, disability, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and lost productivity.