The new report on pain management, mandated by Congress and finalized on May 30, is an important milestone for people with pain. The report emphasizes the need for access to affordable, multidisciplinary care, and urges an individualized approach to pain management–instead of broad one-size-fits-all limits and policies.

But how do we move it forward from a piece of paper to actual change?

Action is essential

Getting Congress to pay attention is vital. To do that, we need you to flood your legislators with emails and calls. It’s especially important we reach out to members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.

And it only takes a few minutes

U.S. Pain Foundation is running two easy-to-use action campaigns:

1) A campaign for making a phone call to legislators on the two key committees. We have talking points and direct numbers. You’ll likely just speak to an aide, and that’s fine. They’ll report your comments to the legislator. Find out if you have a legislator on a key committee and participate here.

2) A campaign to email all members of Congress. This is a general form letter that can be sent by anyone. Take part here.

We also encourage you to spread the word about these action campaigns–the more people participate, the more likely we are to get attention! Tweet a message now.

If you want to learn more

On May 22, U.S. Pain held a webinar with more details about how to act from Cindy Steinberg, National Director of Policy and Advocacy and a member of the task force the created the report. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording here. We also have the slides available for download here.

If you have questions or need help, email us at [email protected].