Last week For Grace leaders tapped their healthcare policy advisory team to craft a proposal that will mandate critical pain care expansion for California's Medi-Cal recipients. This is part of our effort to implement the goals of the National Pain Strategy on a state level that we hope will prove to be a model for the rest of the country. A mid-October deadline for the proposal has been targeted so legislation can be considered for the 2022-2023 session. For Grace is thrilled to be taking the lead in the Golden State on a policy issue that will surely improve the lives of many.
To help trumpet September as Pain Awareness Month, For Grace has been approached by the prestigious National Academy of Medicine to spotlight an innovative, interactive chronic pain resource for patients and those who work in pain management. Known as the Person-Centered Chronic Pain Journey Map, users will gain a critical understanding of what challenges people face when seeking pain care, along with having access to an extensive library of resources to help find and optimize effective, life-enhancing treatment. For Grace will be sharing this invaluable tool throughout their extensive social media network during Pain Awareness Month and beyond.
September starts strong in California as For Grace's resolution, SR 104, proclaims September 1st as Women In Pain Awareness Day and the month as Pain Awareness Month. Authored for the second year-in-a-row by Senator Maria Elena Durazo, this effort is For Grace's 19th out of the last 20 years (the 2020 legislative session was curtailed due to COVID) to bring awareness of the plight of women in pain and their challenge to get effective, appropriate pain management to Golden State lawmakers. Thank you, Senator Durazo and amazing staff member, Fernando Rameriz!!
Check out For Grace's September Story of the Month! Carol Barnett already had a couple of serious pain challenges after developing CRPS from a toe fracture and small fiber neuropathy from toxic exposure. When breast cancer came knocking, Carol quickly assessed that she couldn't tolerate conventional treatment, especially the recommended mastectomy. As luck would have it, she stumbled upon a cutting edge therapy, Cryoblation, that kills cancer cells with a freezing agent. Carol's now cancer free, sharing "Always remember to take a breath and look for options."
