Pain is silent,
but you don’t have to be.
#LetsTalkAboutPain
Watch a 10-minute overview of how to get involved
There’s something for everyone! U.S. Pain staff review the various ways to take part in Pain Awareness Month.
The 2019 theme: #LetsTalkAboutPain
Because of stigma and even shame, people with pain are often afraid to speak up about their experiences. But sharing our stories–whether with loved ones, coworkers, clinicians or policymakers– is essential to creating awareness about chronic pain and fighting for change. This year, U.S. Pain Foundation is focusing its efforts around the theme, “Let’s Talk About Pain.”
Show support by changing your profile pic!
Show your support for the over 100 million Americans living with medical conditions that cause pain. Add the #PainWarriorsUnite twibbon to your social media profile image this September! When you change your pic, use the hashtags: #PainWarriorsUnite #PAM2018 #USPain #30DayChallenge #PainAwarenessMonth.
Get involved today
You can get involved and help support Pain Awareness Month efforts in a number of ways, including:
- Obtain a ceremonial proclamation from state or local government officials.
- Decorate a building or public area with signs and ribbons through Beautify in Blue.
- Getting permission light up a landmark on Sept. 13 as part of Shine Blue for Pain.
- Distribute materials or host an information table at a hospital, community center, state capitol, or anywhere you can think of!
Learn How >
Learn How >
The history of Pain Awareness Month
In 2001, a coalition of groups and organizations established September as the official month for the chronic pain community to receive national recognition. Organizations across the country come together during the month of September with the combined goal of bringing awareness to chronic pain and highlighting how pain affects individuals, families, communities, and the nation.
U.S. Pain Foundation honors Pain Awareness Month in a variety of ways each year, including special events, social media campaigns, giveaways, proclamations, and more. We encourage all people with pain to get involved through activities tailored to fit their needs and abilities. There is something for everyone! To get started, email us at painawareness@uspainfoundation.org.
Pain awareness initiatives exist beyond September!
U.S. Pain provides activities for volunteers year-round. Learn more about the Ambassador program and the current opportunities available at www.uspainfoundation.org.
Current Ambassadors, remember to keep U.S. Pain apprised of your awareness efforts by sharing your activities year round through the Ambassador Activities form. This allows U.S. Pain to not only track your involvement, but it also allows you to receive recognition for your accomplishments.
Committed to creating pain awareness
The mission of U.S. Pain Foundation is to educate, empower, connect, and advocate for people living with chronic conditions that cause pain. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those who live with painful conditions and their care providers, U.S. Pain helps individuals find resources and inspiration. Learn more.
Stats about pain
- 50 million Americans live with chronic pain.
- Of that number, 20 million live with high-impact chronic pain, or pain that significantly limits daily activities.
- These numbers do not include the millions of children living with pain.
- Pain costs the United States an estimated $635 billion a year in terms of lost productivity and medical costs.
- Pain is the number one reason Americans visit the doctor.
- Pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults.
- The National Institutes of Health dedicates only 2 percent of its budget to pain research.
- Veterinary students spend five time as many hours learning about pain management as medical students.