Arthritis Foundation Presents Highest Nationwide Volunteer Award

Arthritis Foundation—Atlanta—December 2, 2009

Laura Robbins, DSW, Receives Charles B. Harding Award for Distinguished Service

The Arthritis Foundation bestowed Laura Robbins, DSW, with its highest nationwide volunteer award, the Charles B. Harding Award for Distinguished Service, during the organization's national meeting on Nov. 20 in Atlanta. Awarded annually, the Charles B. Harding Award for Distinguished Service recognizes the individual who best exemplifies the highest standards of concern and commitment to the arthritis cause. Recipients of the award are volunteers who have provided leadership and direction to the Arthritis Foundation.

Robbins has a long history of service to the Arthritis Foundation and has worked countless hours to improve the organization and the lives of people with arthritis. She has served the Arthritis Foundation for nearly 25 years at both the local and national levels and has been instrumental in strengthening the organization to address the growing prevalence of arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.

“Laura has demonstrated a remarkable level of volunteer service and leadership in virtually every area of the Arthritis Foundation,” says John H. Klippel, MD, Arthritis Foundation president and CEO. “She approaches everything she does with profound compassion and dedication, and we are grateful for her commitment to the organization and to the 46 million Americans with arthritis.”

Robbins has volunteered her leadership to the Arthritis Foundation in nearly every capacity, from its New York chapter board of directors to chair of the national board of directors in 2005 and 2006. As an accomplished researcher, she has focused her studies and life's work on community needs, education and program development to improve lives.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, N.Y., Robbins is vice president of education and academic affairs at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). She is also the director of the New York State Osteoporosis Education and Resource Center at HSS and an associate professor at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.