September 5, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- One third of all Alabamians experience pain at least once a month, according to preliminary data drawn from an Purdue Pharma/American Cancer Society-sponsored research project. The study, conducted by Mississippi State University, found that nearly two-thirds of those with chronic pain labeled their pain as moderate to severe, and 93 percent said the pain interfered with normal daily activities.
“Untreated pain remains a significant health issue in all parts of Alabama,” said Elizabeth Kvale, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in UAB’s (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Center for Palliative Care. “Pain negatively affects quality of life for people with pain as well as for their families and caregivers.”
Kvale is president of a new grassroots organization, Alabamians for Pain Relief (APR), established to raise awareness about pain and its treatment. APR has partnered with the UAB Center for Palliative Care to develop resources for health care professionals who care for patients with pain, and for patients and their caregivers to learn more about their pain and potential treatments.
“The people who care for patients with pain – the doctors, nurses and pharmacists – need to be comfortable with the treatment options,” said Kvale. “They also need to understand the social and legal barriers that sometimes make it seem challenging or worrisome to treat people with pain.”
Gov. Bob Riley has designated September as Pain Awareness Month in Alabama. The Center and APR will hold a pain awareness event from 7-10 p.m. on Sept. 15 at WorkPlay, 500 23rd St. South, in Birmingham. The evening will include an informational program, silent auction, food and beverages with music provided by Dread Clampitt. Ticket information is available at www.al4painrelief.org.
Until the formation of APR, no single organizational body within the state of Alabama focused on pain relief as its primary mission. The primary mission of APR is to increase pain awareness in Alabama through advocacy, education, and outreach activities. APR counts among its members politicians, doctors, nurses, professional advocates, social workers and pharmacists.
Approximately 50-75 million Americans suffer with chronic pain, and most is either untreated or under-treated, said Kvale. “Pain disrupts people’s ability to be productive, to sleep, to take care of themselves and to enjoy life,” she said. “People need to know that good treatment options are available.”