Hot Issues
The issues that affect people with pain and their ability to access appropriate and effective pain care are complex. They involve a wide range of barriers from societal attitudes, to unbalanced policies and regulations, a lack of trained healthcare providers, unbalanced practices and procedures within the healthcare system and a lack of insurance and financial resources. September as Pain Awareness Month provides an opportunity for all of us to STAND UP NOW AND BE COUNTED in the united voice demanding better access to pain care.
Learn More and TAKE ACTION>>>
Acetaminophen Medications in Jeopardy—APF Needs Your Help!
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering advice from its Advisory Committee that would eliminate all prescription acetaminophen combination medications (like Vicodin, Percocet). Additionally, they are recommending taking the 500 mg (extra strength) dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) off store shelves and making it available only by prescription. We need you to Take Action. Learn more
APF Response to "HOT ISSUES"
The American Pain Foundation has a rich history of timely and effective response to "hot issues", as they arise. Here is a sampling of recent press releases, position statements, and calls to action:
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) proposed by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) – read APF's Position Statement
FDA Ruling on Over the Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers – APF's response
Impact of Step Therapy and Therapeutic Switching – Position Statement
Response to "Hot Issues" In the Media
APF Responds to Speculation about Pain Medication Involvement in Michael Jackson's Death
National Legislation is a "Hot Issue"
APF is pleased to report that the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee members voted unanimously to include the National Pain Care Policy Act 2009 (S660) as an amendment to the national health care reform bill. Over 300 amendments were proposed for addition to the health care reform bill and 46 amendments, including S660, were accepted.
We are one step closer in having the voices of the millions who struggle with pain heard by the President of the United States! Read more here.
"Hot Issues" in State Policy
Please visit our State Action page for issues that may be specific to your state.
The American Pain Foundation and many other patient and professional pain advocacy organizations are working to remove the barriers to pain care. It is critical as a movement to have the capacity to be both proactive on "Hot Issues" and have a quick response Advocacy Center (send alerts, announcements, etc. to which you may easily respond). Sign up here to receive calls to action/alerts and be part of a united voice for change.
To learn more about current actions you can take to Make Your Voice Heard, go to the Take Action Now page on the American Pain Foundation's website.
To become further involved in year round advocacy activities, please fill out the Advocacy Survey.
Last Updated: 07/20/10
