May news
In this issue

Special section: COVID-19 updates and resources | Board of Directors announces two new members, permanent CEO | Sign up for the 2020 Pediatric Virtual Retreat! | Join our new videoconference series, "Building Your Toolbox" | Tonight: Learn how to find balance during crisis | CDC opens comment period; deadline June 30 | U.S. Pain takes part in RetreatMigraine: 2020 Virtual Experience | and more.

COVID-19 updates & resources
Dear pain warriors,

I hope you are staying as safe and well as you possibly can right now. We know from our recent survey results that many of you are facing additional health struggles because of the shutdown. (If you haven't contacted your legislator about this issue yet, please do so here !)

As we navigate these uncertain times, U.S. Pain Foundation is continuing to increase its online offerings. As you'll see below, we've launched the Pediatric Pain Warrior 2020 Virtual Retreat for kids and families and a new interactive videoconference series through Pain Connection, called "Building Your Toolbox" (the first event is tomorrow). We also have a Zoom webinar t onight at 7 pm ET with Dr. Ladhani, discussing how to stay mentally well despite the COVID-19 situation.

We'll be announcing more events and ways to get involved soon. As always -- please reach out if you need any help.

Sincerely,
Nicole Hemmenway
CEO, U.S. Pain Foundation
Board of Directors announces two new members, permanent CEO
The Board of Directors welcomed two new members, Edward Bilsky, PhD, and Jessica Begley, MFT, and announced that Nicole Hemmenway would become permanent CEO. Read more.
Sign up for the Pediatric 2020 Virtual Retreat!
In light of COVID-19, this year's Pediatric Pain Warrior Retreat is taking place virtually. The online program, featuring events, activities, and participation rewards, is free and open to all. Register now!
Join our new videoconference series, "Building Your Toolbox"
Pain Connection is offering a new monthly videoconference call that focuses on interactive discussion of different treatment modalities. The first event is tomorrow night. Read more.
Tonight: learn how to find balance during crisis
Register for tonight's Zoom webinar: "Finding balance during crisis: Tools from a pain psychologist" at 7 pm ET with Shamin Ladhani, PsyD. Read more.
CDC opens comment period; deadline is June 30
On April 17, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) opened an official docket period requesting input from patients living with acute and chronic pain, as well as caregivers and providers.   Read more.
U.S. Pain takes part in virtual RetreatMigraine
The weekend, originally scheduled as an in-person event, was reimagined by CHAMP (Coalition For Headache And Migraine Patients) as a virtual experience open to all. Read more.
Pain Warrior of the Month: Becca West
Age:  30 years old
Location: Easton, MA
Pain warrior role:  Ambassador since 2011
Health conditions:  Chronic widespread pain due to lupus and chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis.
Tip for pain warriors :  “ Take time every single day to remind yourself that you are a strong, brave, unique, and amazing person, who is always worthy of being treated with respect and dignity. Also, never let yourself forget that you possess an intrinsic value that exists just from you being you, and having chronic pain can never negate nor diminish this."
Fun fact: "My favorite part of the day is every morning when my husband brings us coffee to drink in bed while we snuggle up together with our dog."

 Becca has been an extremely active advocate for the past nine years, using her voice and experience to help all chronic pain patients. Becca has testified at the Massachusetts State House in favor of legislation that helps the chronic pain community, such as ensuring that treating their pain is considered a right, and against bills that negatively affect patients, such as those making it harder for patients to access the treatments they need, especially opioid medications. Becca has also been involved in multiple television and print news interviews locally to raise awareness about chronic pain and state advocacy efforts.
Upcoming Events
Please note: All event links in maroon are part of the Pediatric Pain Warrior Virtual Retreat and require advance sign-up with the retreat.

Support groups

Pain Connection conference call support groups are free to join. You may speak or listen quietly, whatever you prefer. All calls are led by an individual trained by Pain Connection. (Please note that in-person support groups are currently on hold due to COVID-19.)

  • May 7 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm ET with Gwenn Herman
  • May 14 from 7 to 8 pm ET with Gwenn Herman
  • May 21 from 10 to 11 am ET with Mia Maysack
  • May 28 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm ET with Mary Beth Lewis
  • May 30 from 11 am to noon ET with Mia Maysack
New resources
U.S. Pain in the news
Your support
Allows us to continue advancing our mission to serve people with chronic pain. You can also support us by hosting a Facebook fundraiser or shopping with  Amazon Smile !
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE COUNCIL:
Senior Leader

Eli Lilly
Members

Amgen
Centrexion
J  ohnson & Johnson
Primus Pharmaceuticals
Thrive Tape
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