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Three tips for better pain awareness

Pharmacy Regulation Resource, September 1, 2004

Pain is a leading cause of disability in the United States, but it remains undertreated in many patients. Partners for Understanding Pain, a coalition of interest groups and research centers, has designated September as Pain Awareness Month. The American Pharmacists Association has joined the group to promote the pharmacy point of view.

The following are three tips you can adapt to help your organization's pain-management program:

1. Establish a pain ambassadors volunteer program. Local university, school, and church groups often seek volunteer opportunities. Join with them to create a volunteer program for students, who could, for example, visit or help with the activities of people living with pain, create a support network, or aid directly in the awareness campaign.
2. Hold an "Ask the Doctor about Pain Day" by partnering with a drug store or fitness organization to sponsor a health professional on site to answer questions related to pain management.
3. Hold in-service staff training and ongoing pain education, perhaps in collaboration with other local hospitals.

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