In honor of Veterans Day, the U.S. Pain Foundation is pleased to announce a new virtual support group for veterans and active members of the military dealing with chronic pain. The support group is part of Pain Connection, the organization’s national network of support groups.

“Veterans are 40 percent more likely to experience chronic pain than civilians,” says Gwenn Herman, LCSW, DCSW, Pain Connection’s Clinical Director. “In addition, they face high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans and active military members need and deserve specialized support that recognizes the unique challenges they face.”

The group will be led by Richard Kreis, who has led a Pain Connection support group in Sacramento, CA, since 2018. Kreis, who lives with chronic pain, served in the U.S. Air Force and grew up in a military family. Kreis also is a certified caregiving advisor.

All Pain Connection support group leaders receive training in an evidence-based model that seeks to address the specific needs of people with chronic pain. The model, developed by Herman, combines the power of social connection and community with learning practical coping skills, like relaxation techniques and pacing. Herman is co-author of the book, “Making the Invisible Visible: Chronic Pain Manual for Health Care Providers.”

The veterans and active military support group will launch in January 2021 and will meet monthly.

To receive more information about the group once it launches, visit painconnection.org/veterans.

This support group is made possible through electroCore.