Project Update                                                                 July 2005

  Independence Day: The Anniversary of the Independence

  of the United States of America!

A time when we are all grateful for the amount of independence and freedom that we have in this country and the people who made that possible and who continue to honor and fight for freedom and justice for all.

"Hallowed be the day, forever bright its memory in the heart of the Nation.
Sing to it, poets;
shout to it, freemen;
celebrate it with bonfires, parades, and triumphant assemblies"
(Daily Alta California, 4 July 1855).

The American Pain Foundation is proud to honor this holiday with the launch of our online discussion board for veterans. Through our veteran’s survey, many veterans expressed feelings of isolation and the need to talk with others. In response, and as part of our developing initiative for veterans with pain, we introduce an online discussion board for veterans and their caregivers - to provide support, improve pain care, decrease the sense of isolation and encourage veterans in their pursuit of a better quality of life. It is a place where veterans can talk with other vets, get tips, share stories, etc. It's easy to enter the discussion or just observe the dialogue. Click here and you'll be asked to register with a user name and a password (make something up that you'll remember). If you are a veteran or if you know a veteran with pain that might benefit from this, please pass this along to them or suggest that they go to www.painfoundation.org and enter through APF’s website. It is a way for veterans with pain who are often isolated to broaden their network, make new friends, receive support and learn something - all from the comfort of their chair any time of day or night!

The American Pain Foundation sends a heartfelt thank you to all who have served

in the military and all who uphold the foundations of freedom.

     Power Over Pain Campaign:

     Maryland Conducts Public Listenings

Individuals and families affected by pain often keep silent about the problems, barriers, and losses they face. Far too many Americans suffer in silence. The American Pain Foundation (APF), in partnership with the Maryland Pain Initiative (MPI), launched a pilot project called “Public Listenings” in November 2003. A public listening provides direct public commentary by "meeting and learning" that is different from town hall meetings. Attendees who are affected by pain can express their experiences, views, and concerns.

To date, Washington County, Maryland has conducted over ten (10) events over the past 18 months. Participants have made the commitment to create solutions and to give a voice to a once silent pain public. Their wish is that others who experience pain will have the resources and support denied to them when their pain first began. 

Because of their commitment, nurse researchers from the University of Maryland will begin a qualitative research project around the public listening experience in Washington County this summer. This research is possible through a grant award from the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiative (AACPI), the umbrella organization for state pain initiatives, such as MPI. AACPI is the Power Over Pain Campaign partner with APF. Their research findings should help bring a heightened voice for those affected by pain.

Overall, APF and MPI wish to conduct listenings throughout Maryland and hopefully expand to other states in our nation. It’s time for those affected by pain to “come out of the closet” and tell others what it is really like to live with pain. Would you like to help us bring public listenings in your area?

· In Maryland: Contact the Maryland Pain Initiative at MPI@painfoundation.org
· Other states: Contact the American Pain Foundation at: info@painfoundation.org
 

It's not too late to join our mailing list by completing our "Get Involved" form. And please forward this to a friend who might be interested in our publications and projects.

The American Pain Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that relies upon private donations to fund its programs, services, and distribution of educational materials. There are millions of people who live with unrelieved chronic pain. If you can help, please make a donation to the American Pain Foundation. For other ways you can support APF’s work, please visit our website at www.painfoundation.org.