Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain LIFE Spring 2015, Issue 11 | Page 7
COVER STORY: Pain Care Providers Day March 20
Text and information below can be copied and used
for a proclamation request. Submitting references
with the proclamation request is recommended but
usually not required. Questions? Please contact
the NFMCPA at [email protected]
DRAFT PAIN CARE PROVIDERS DAY
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, PAIN is a universal feeling, which for millions
becomes chronic, impacting every facet of life; and affects
more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer
combined; and is cited as the most common reason Americans access the health care system; and 1,2
WHEREAS, there exist regulatory, legal, institutional, financial, educational, and geographical barriers that impede access to pain care; barriers that contribute to increased suffering along with feelings of despair, futility
and shame on the part of people with pain; and 3,4,5
WHEREAS, in the face of this national pain epidemic there
is less than one board-certified pain specialist for every
twenty thousand pain sufferers; and these pain specialists
are subject to tremendous stressors, leading to a high rate
of professional burnout, interpersonal difficulties, suicidal
tendencies, and even life-threatening physical harm; and
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
WHEREAS, because of the shortage of pain specialists, the
vast majority of our nation’s pain care must remain the
duty of a vast array of dedicated but increasingly anxious
medical professionals, kindhearted laypersons, and overburdened loved ones who bravely and compassionately
persevere in treating pain as best they can;7
NOW, THEREFORE, I, [name, title], do hereby proclaim
March 20, 2015, the first day of spring, as PAIN CARE
PROVIDERS DAY throughout [city or state name] and
encourage our citizens to recognize all who professionally, clinically or emotionally offer more than their
expertise--that is, they offer their hearts--and therefore are deserving of our gratitude, encoura