The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has funded a five-year, $25 million effort to help health care organizations more effectively treat patients with chronic illnesses.

The Improving Chronic Illness Care program is based at the Center for Health Studies. The center will work with Seattle-based Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, one of the nation's oldest health maintenance organizations.

The foundation's efforts are a result of increased numbers of Americans with chronic illnesses seeking treatment through HMOs.

The $25 million will be allocated for three major programs. The first initiative will give medical groups nationwide funds to create disease management plans for specific illnesses. The second initiative will set up a clearinghouse of chronic illness treatment programs. The third effort will award grants to research how HMOs can best adapt chronic illness programs.

Health systems wanting to participate in any of the three programs should call (206) 287-2876 or contact Ed Wagner, M.D., 1730 Minor Ave., Suite 1290, Seattle, WA 98101-1448. The Princeton, N.J.-based Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has made more than $2.7 billion in grants since it was founded in 1972.