Pain Connection, U.S. Pain Foundation’s network of support groups, has added two in-person support groups: one in Iowa and the other in Maine.

The Iowa group will have its first meeting on Dec. 19. It will be led by LaSheila Yates, who attended Pain Connection’s most recent chronic pain support group training this September.

The Maine group is a longstanding group run by Ernie Merritt, which will now be associated with U.S. Pain Foundation. The next meeting will be Nov. 7.

Both Yates and Merritt will be featured in an upcoming issue of the INvisible Project.

Iowa support group

Date: The third Friday of each month

Time: 5:30 to 6:30pm

Location: Marion Public Library, 1095 Sixth Avenue, Marion, Iowa 52302

Contact: LaShiela Yates at [email protected] and/or (319) 318-2158.

Maine support group

Date: The first Thursday of each month

Time: 6 to 7:30 pm

Location: Pinewood Manor, Hospitality Room, 20 Manor Street, Old Orchard Beach, Maine, 04063.

Contact: Ernie Merritt lll at [email protected] and/or www.painsupportgroup.org

Pain Connection also offers support groups in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Interested in starting a group in your homestate? Email [email protected].