For Immediate Release:
September 12, 2006

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Governor Blunt Proclaims September Pain Awareness Month

Governor Matt Blunt will highlight the impact that chronic pain has on Missourians by proclaiming September as Pain Awareness Month in the state of Missouri. Members of the Missouri State Advisory Council for Pain and Symptom Management and leaders from the Missouri Pain Initiative will receive the proclamation during a ceremony September 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor’s office.

According to Tricia Schlechte, chair of the Missouri State Advisory Council on Pain and Symptom Management, pain is one of the most common reasons for people to seek medical attention. In 2005, 69 percent of Missourians reported that pain made it hard to do their usual activities in the past month. Adequate pain management leads to enhanced functioning and increased quality of life. In contrast, inadequately controlled pain can have profound consequences such as disability, depression and despair.  In addition, inadequately controlled pain can increase utilization of healthcare resources and expenditures.

“We appreciate Governor Blunt for recognizing the importance of educating consumers, health professionals, and policy makers on the issues surrounding the management of chronic pain," Schlechte said.

Additional information about pain and symptom management is available at the Department of Health and Senior Services’ website:  www.dhss.mo.gov/PainManagement/.