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In this issue
Special section: COVID-19 info and resources | Take our survey on pain care and COVID-19 | Two webinar recordings available | Pediatric Pain Warriors host online talent show | New call-in support group added | Federal appropriations requests submitted | and more
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Special section: COVID-19 info & resources
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A message from the interim CEO
We hope the above resources are helpful during this uncertain time. Please let us know if there is anything we should add.
Remember: being a pain warrior means you are already incredibly resilient and have what it takes to be strong in challenging situations.
Take care and stay safe. If you need help,
email us
.
Sincerely,
Nicole Hemmenway
Interim CEO, U.S. Pain Foundation
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Take our survey on pain care & COVID-19
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Pediatric Pain Warriors host online talent show
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To help keep spirits up during this difficult time, the Pediatric Pain Warrior Program is offering a series of fun activities and events.
Read more.
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New call-in support group added
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Due to increased call volume, we've added a sixth call to our monthly call-in support group offerings. The calls are free and guided by trained leaders.
Sign up for the next call.
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Webinar recordings: PT tips and COVID-19 coping strategies
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There are two webinars you can watch from the comfort of home: one on physical therapy techniques and another on coping with stress during COVID-19.
Read more.
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Federal appropriations requests submitted
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Cindy Steinberg recently led a workgroup in submitting appropriations requests related to implementing the landmark Pain Management Best Practices Report.
Read more.
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Pain Warrior of the Month: Kelly Ann Lewis "Starfire"
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Age:
46 years old
Location:
Gaithersburg, MD
Pain warrior role:
Ambassador since 2019
Health conditions:
D
isc disease, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, achilles tendinitis, chronic kidney stones, kidney disease stage 3, bilateral Morton’s neuroma, depression, anxiety, degenerative disc disease, cataracts, crest disease, fibromyalgia, GERD, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, patulous esophagus, anterior endplate bone spurring, venous thrombosis , chronic pain syndrome, migraine, contact dermatitis, and joint pain.
Tip for pain warriors
:
“We are all in this together. If you see someone who is in need to talk, talk with them. Engage with people you don’t know and they seem in pain, or they are talking to someone about pain. Helping others seems to help me considerably. The other thing that helps me is making art.”
Fun fact:
"
I met my husband at a fairy festival. I would love to 'glitter bomb' the world with biodegradable glitter to make it a more shiny, happy place."
Kelly Ann Lewis, who goes by Starfire, started her journey with advocacy by testifying at the FDA last year regarding unmet needs for patients with osteoarthritis, and has been working to help others ever since. As part of her efforts, Starfire attended U.S. Pain’s Advocacy Summit last May. In addition, she regularly distributes materials and information about chronic pain to help educate her fellow pain warriors. In general, Starfire is a beacon of optimism, kindness, and creativity despite pain.
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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.)
- Thursday, April 2, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm EST with Gwenn Herman
- Tuesday, April 7, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm EST with Gwenn Herman and Bobbi Blades (NEWLY ADDED CALL)
- Thursday, April 9, from 7 to 8 pm EST with Gwenn Herman
- Thursday, April 16, from 10 to 11 am EST with Mia Maysack
- Thursday, April 23, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm EST with Mary Beth Lewis
- Saturday, April 25, from 11 am to noon EST with Mia Maysack
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New resources, videos, and articles
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- Webinar recording, "Getting the most out of PT: Secrets from a physical therapist" with Gina Gapstur, PT
- Webinar recording, "Coping with COVID-19: Stress reduction and self-care strategies," with Gwenn Herman, LCSW, DCSW
- Blog post, "Making peace with a rollercoaster of emotions," by Michaela O'Conner
- Blog post, "Stuck at home because of quarantine? Advice from the chronically ill" by U.S. Pain staff
- Blog post, "But I need that appointment!" by Ellen Lenox Smith
- Blog post, "How chronic health issues prepared me for a pandemic," by Emily Lemiska
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- “Pain-focused resources and information on COVID-19,” National Pain Report, March 26. Highlights information provided by U.S. Pain.
- “Chronic pain patients affected by opioid crisis,” Arizona Public Media, March 24. Quotes Pain Connection Clinical Director Gwenn Herman, LCSW, DCSW, and a support group member.
- “US Pain to Slow Down In-Person Meetings,” National Pain Report, March 13. Discusses U.S. Pain announcing temporary hold in in-person events.
- “Proposed bill would make medical marijuana more affordable, accessible for patients,” WPRI.com News, March 4. Quotes Co-Director of Medical Cannabis Advocacy Ellen Lenox Smith.
- “Latta introduces legislation reducing barriers to non-opioid pain management alternatives,” Sentinel-Tribune, March 4. Quotes National Director of Policy and Advocacy Cindy Steinberg.
- “Latta proposes bill to make psych evaluations for non-opioid therapies accessible via telehealth,” The Ripon Advance, March 3. Quotes National Director of Policy and Advocacy Cindy Steinberg.
- "Letter to the editor: Peer support groups help manage chronic pain," Press Herald, March 3. Letter by Ambassador of the Year Ernie Merritt, discussing his Maine support group.
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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
!
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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE COUNCIL:
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Members
Amgen
Centrexion
Primus Pharmaceuticals
Thrive Tape
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