GREAT NEWS! For the 17th year in a row, For Grace has championed a resolution that proclaims September as Pain Awareness Month and September 1st as Women In Pain Awareness Day in California. This year SR 65 became a California Women’s Caucus priority resolution – meaning this influential group strongly supports  our annual legislation to spotlight chronic pain as a public health crisis as well as the gender bias toward women in pain. This year’s author is Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, the first in a long line of women legislators who will lead the charge.

For Grace's September Story of the Month features a woman who experienced bias and discrimination as a patient and medical school student. Shannon Stocker developed CRPS during her residency and quickly had her complaints of pain dismissed by the profession she'd spent much of her life in pursuit of. She recalled that in medical school doctors made fun of women with unexplainable pain, labeling them "frequent flyers" for their many appointments. Teaming up  with her devoted husband, Shannon found answers and practitioners who brought relief.

So much good came out of For Grace' s Legislative Pain Briefing at the California Capitol, we want to share a number of ways that you can experience this ground-breaking day. The National Pain Report's editor-in-chief Ed Coghlan wrote an excellent recap of the event that includes our efforts to transform pain policy. Also, a webcast archive of the briefing is available, one where you can watch our team of world-class presenters enlighten decision makers about the need to make chronic pain a top public health priority in the Golden State. Last, you can view our pictures on Flickr that capture the passion and energy that kick-started a better day for the 6-12 million Californians challenged by chronic pain. Check back as we move this bold initiative forward!

For Grace's Sacramento Pain Briefing was a smashing success! Partnering with Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (pictured here), we convened  legislative and policy leaders on August 14th to enlighten them about the chronic pain experience and barriers to care. Our world-class  presenters capped the day with a Recommendation to implement a comprehensive Pain Center in the Golden State. Follow us as we move this much-needed effort ahead - and catch the day's webcast archive HERE.