Pain is silent,
but you don’t have to be.
#LetsTalkAboutPain
Chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million Americans and has profound individual and societal consequences. To raise awareness about this public health crisis, organizations from across the country come together during Pain Awareness Month each September. U.S. Pain Foundation’s 2019 campaign centers around the theme: #LetsTalkAboutPain.
Join us July 19th for a webinar with information about how to get involved!
Following the keynote presentation about acupuncture, we’ll discuss 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 for a landmark or building to light up 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!
More opportunities will be shared soon!
What to talk about in your video
Remember, you only have five minutes! It may take a few practice rounds to get your story under the time limit.
- Introduce yourself. Tell us your name, where you live, your age (if you want!) and what you do. (Do you work? Do you volunteer? Are you disabled, and focus on your health primarily?)
- Talk about how pain affects you. What conditions do you live with? How do they affect your life? Are there things you can't do anymore because of pain? How do you currently manage your pain?
- Tell us why awareness matters to you. Why does creating awareness about chronic pain matter? What do you wish the public knew about pain?
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 Foundation helps individuals find resources and inspiration. Learn more.