Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CONNIE WAGNER
District 38 (Bergen)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle and Assemblyman Chivukula
SYNOPSIS
Designates September of each year as "Pain Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating September of each year as "Pain Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Physical pain affects tens of millions of Americans, and untreated or inadequately treated pain can harm an individual's quality of life by diminishing that person's ability to function, socialize and be productive; and
Whereas, Despite the number of Americans who suffer from pain on a regular basis, access to appropriate and effective pain care remains a barrier for many Americans; and
Whereas, Thousands of Americans and citizens of this State are reluctantly choosing to live with and suffer from pain because they may not have health care coverage, access to appropriately trained pain specialists, or prescribed pain treatments to help relieve their suffering; and
Whereas, Pain takes an economic toll on our country and our State, costing billions of dollars each year in medical expenses, lost wages, reduced productivity and other costs; and
Whereas, Improved pain management education and an effective multi-disciplinary treatment approach can help reduce suffering and remove barriers to pain-free living; and
Whereas, The New Jersey Chapter of the American Cancer Society, the New Jersey Pain Initiative, and a variety of other professional and consumer organizations located throughout New Jersey are committed to advocating for citizens of our State who are experiencing and living with pain, either as a condition in and of itself, or as a condition associated with numerous health disorders including: cancer, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson's disease, arthritis and others; and
Whereas, The leaders and members of these organizations are committed to increasing awareness among State residents regarding pain management initiatives and promoting access to appropriate treatment for all New Jersey residents who suffer from acute or chronic pain; and
Whereas, All residents in this State will benefit from increased public awareness about acute and chronic pain, and the importance of appropriate and effective pain management; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. September of each year is designated as "Pain Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, health care providers and the citizens of this State to observe "Pain Awareness Month." The Governor is also urged to encourage these individuals to learn more about pain management by participating in appropriate activities and programs designed to educate the citizens of this State about acute and chronic pain, and the importance of appropriate and effective pain management.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates September of each year as "Pain Awareness Month" in New Jersey in an effort to bring State awareness about acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is often described as temporary pain that lasts for a short duration of time and is most commonly associated with injury or inflammation. Those who suffer from chronic pain experience pain on a regular basis for months, sometimes years, depending on the source of the pain. Chronic pain can exist independently, or it can be associated with a more debilitating health condition such as cancer or arthritis.
Individuals who suffer from acute or chronic pain are often unable to enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. They are forced to experience life from the sidelines, as their condition -- more times than not -- makes it extremely difficult for them to participate in life's simple pleasures, such as walking, running, or spending quality time engaged in activities with their families.
This resolution provides that, during the month of September, the members of New Jersey's health care community are encouraged to educate and inform the public about acute and chronic pain, and the various types of pain management that are available to relieve suffering associated with pain.