WED-062 - Transforming Bone Health Through Education and Outreach: Addressing Osteoporosis Disparities

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation is addressing disparities in osteoporosis prevention and care through a national initiative that integrates needs and capacity assessment into program design. A comprehensive landscape analysis revealed gaps in screening, treatment adherence, and access among underserved populations. These findings guided the creation of an indicator framework and stakeholder-driven strategies. Attendees will learn how BHOF translated data into action through multi-channel awareness campaigns, culturally tailored education, peer outreach, and provider training-offering a scalable model to advance equity in chronic disease prevention.

Detailed abstract description:

Background:
Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million adults aged 50+ in the United States, with an additional 43 million at risk due to low bone mineral density. Despite its prevalence and preventability, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially among racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations. The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) launched a national initiative that integrates landscape analysis, stakeholder engagement, public education, and provider training to reduce disparities in screening, prevention, and care.

Methods:
BHOF synthesized national data on osteoporosis incidence, prevalence, fracture risk, comorbidities, and access to care. The analysis highlighted disparities in screening, treatment adherence, and long-term management. Findings informed a stakeholder-driven indicator report and survey, developed with evaluation partners. Strategic priorities were guided by the Bone Health Awareness Working Group, representing cross-sector expertise in healthcare, education, and community engagement.

Results:
The analysis revealed persistent gaps, including limited data on high-risk subpopulations, inconsistent adherence to clinical guidelines, and underuse of prevention strategies. To address these gaps, BHOF launched the Protect Your Bones media campaign (3,600+ TV and 1,800+ radio airings), generating continuous national attention. The Bone Health Quiz engaged over 3,200 visitors with new peer educators supporting outreach at large-scale community events such as the B’More Healthy Expo (26,000 attendees). Signature webinars—Healthy Bones for Life™, Eating for Healthy Bones™, and Stepping Out Strong™—reached over 800 participants live and on-demand.

For professional audiences, BHOF expanded its Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) program with 27 new LMS courses, launched a CME-accredited ReachMD series on Menopause and Bone Health (435 participants to date), and collaborated with Medscape on a CME course on Fall Prevention. Additionally, five culturally responsive Spanish-language resources and targeted webinars for the Black community were developed, advancing health literacy and access to trusted information.

Conclusions:
Attendees will learn how education-driven, equity-centered interventions—grounded in evaluation—can shift public health outcomes. This program demonstrates the value of combining data-driven planning with culturally relevant programming and multi-channel dissemination to improve osteoporosis awareness and care. The findings provide clear policy and clinical targets to optimize bone health across the lifespan and offer a replicable model for other chronic disease education initiatives.