Reps. Leland, Brown, Donigan, Polidori, Valentine, Young, Bieda, Scott, Stahl, Rick Jones, Ward, Hune, Accavitti, Condino, Dean, Gonzales, Hammel, Hammon, Hildenbrand, Robert Jones, Lemmons, Marleau, Palmer, Proos, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Spade, Tobocman and Vagnozzi offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 436.

A resolution declaring September 2008 as Pain Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. 

            Whereas, Pain is a serious health problem that affects an estimated 50 million Americans every year; and

            Whereas, People who suffer through pain are often marginalized and stigmatized. Thus often not informed of their right to effective pain assessment and management; and

            Whereas, Untreated chronic pain may rob the citizens of Michigan of their quality of life -- affecting physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being; and

Whereas, According to published estimates, one in five individuals has moderate to severe chronic pain, and a third of those individuals are inhibited from leading an active lifestyle because of it; and

Whereas, It is estimated that more than $100 billion annually is lost in workdays and medical expenses due to pain-related issues.  Many citizens, especially the elderly, minorities, and urban and rural poor are unable to get treatment helping them to manage their pain due to high health care costs; and

            Whereas, Increased awareness of, and potential cures for, chronic pain can lead to much needed relief; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2008 as Pain Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.