Mann introduces resolution to support chronic pain care and awareness

	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Jennifer Mann D-Lehigh www.pahouse.com/Mann

Mann introduces resolution to support chronic pain care and awareness

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Jennifer L. Mann, D-Lehigh, has introduced a resolution that would create a chronic pain task force to promote public education and awareness to improve the care of chronic pain patients.

The resolution (H.R. 822) would direct the Joint State Government Commission to create the task force.

Chronic pain can disguise itself as many disorders and diseases such as migraine headaches, TMJ syndrome, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients who suffer from chronic pain can function normally for short periods of time; however, they can quickly become fatigued and experience excruciating pain.

Mann said the lack of knowledge about this disorder often causes misunderstandings between sufferers and their family members, friends, doctors and employers.

"People who suffer from chronic pain are often labeled as lazy, depressed or as hypochondriacs," Mann said. "Improving public education about chronic pain through the task force would lead to better care and improve the daily lives of people affected by this condition."

The resolution is currently under consideration in the House Health and Human Services Committee.