In this issue:
Pain coalition submits letter on draft report to HHS Secretary, docket letter planned | Fifth chronic pain support group leader training held in San Francisco | Register now for the second Pediatric Pain Warriors retreat | Points for Pain games raise more than $5,000 | Start learning about your pain with our library of online resources | and more.
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LAST CHANCE to comment on federal report on pain
It's no April Fool's joke--the draft report on pain management, developed by a high-ranking federal task force, has the potential to change pain care across the nation! The public is being asked to provide feedback before the report is submitted to Congress. We need your help making sure the patient voice is heard!
Submit your comments today
by 11:59 pm EST.
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Pain coalition submits letter on draft report to HHS Secretary, docket letter planned
In response to the draft report on pain, a coalition of pain patient-related groups submitted a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar.
Read more.
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Fifth chronic pain support group leader training held in San Francisco
In mid-March, future leaders of chronic pain support groups gathered for a weekend of specialized training led by Pain Connection, a program of U.S. Pain.
Read more.
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Registration is open for the second Pediatric Pain Warriors retreat
U.S. Pain will cover hotel expenses, meals, and theme park tickets for the weekends festivities. Registration is first come, first serve.
Read more.
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Points for Pain games raise more than $5,000
Through Points for Pain, fans pledge donations based on the number of points their team scores during a game.
Read more.
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Start learning about your pain with our library of online resources
Education is the first step in taking control of your pain. That's why we offer a range of webinars and online events on topics from meditation to insurance issues.
Access the online library.
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Pain Warrior of the Month:
Ernest Merritt
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Age: 55
Pain warrior role: U.S. Pain advocate since 2014
Health conditions: Chronic back pain, narcolepsy, migraines
What is your favorite tip for others with chronic pain: "Each person living with a chronic condition has a hidden talent; find it, and you can build your self-worth back and become part of your community again. Our new families are the people that support us on good days and bad."
What's a fun fact about you: "I try to stay positive with life, even though I live with chronic conditions. With narcolepsy I have to stay busy, so I make things out of wood. My number one thing to make is the colored canes. This is therapeutic and it keeps me awake all day. I give them to people that need them. The old saying is 'pay it forward.' I feel that is what will happen by doing this."
Ernest (Ernie) Merritt is an avid advocate both at both the state and national level, testifying on a step therapy bill in the state of Maine and attending 2019's Headache on the Hill in Washington, D.C. Ernie facilitates a widely attended chronic pain support group in Maine and has a true passion for providing others with the help and support they need during their pain journey. He is a constant source of positivity, generosity, and kindness despite his pain. Ernie reflects, "struggling with depression after I began my chronic illness journey myself, it made me think I need to do something positive to make changes. This is why I joined others that have a voice--to empower, advocate, and make sure others have the same opportunities."
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Upcoming Events
- April 2: Weekly support group in Tucson, AZ (Pascua Yaqui Tribe); held weekly on Tuesdays
- April 4: Afternoon Pain Connection Live call support group
- April 8: "Mindfulness, meditation, and craniosacral therapy for kids, teens, and adults" webinar and a support group in Rockville, MD
- April 9: Monthly support groups in Tucson, AZ (Natural Healing Care Center) and Concord, NH
- April 10: Support group in Thousand Oaks, CA
- April 11: Evening Pain Connection Live call support group and a support group in Allentown, PA
- April 12: Support group in Arlington, MA
- April 12-14: Retreat Migraine in San Antonio, TX
- April 17: Support group in Middletown, CT
- April 18: Support group in Sacramento, CA
- April 22: Stamping Out Stigma Symposium in Washington, D.C.
- April 27: Saturday Pain Connection Live call support group and an info booth at Operation Health Kids Day in Tucson, AZ
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