Pain Awareness Month and Women In Pain Awareness Day.
This resolution is significant as it addresses the widespread issues of untreated and undertreated pain in the population. It specifically highlights the disparities in pain treatment between genders and the biases that exist in the healthcare system. By declaring a month and a day dedicated to pain awareness, the resolution seeks to mobilize communities and health professionals to engage in discussions and activities that could potentially improve pain management practices and public understanding.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18 (SCR18), introduced by Senator Jackson, seeks to recognize September 2019 as Pain Awareness Month and September 1, 2019 as Women In Pain Awareness Day. This resolution emphasizes the critical issue of chronic pain that affects over 100 million Americans, alongside highlighting the specific challenges faced by women in pain management. The bill aims to raise awareness about the need for better pain assessment and treatment practices, particularly for women who often report their pain to be taken less seriously than men's.
While resolutions like SCR18 are generally non-controversial, there may be underlying debates about the effectiveness of such measures in actually leading to policy changes in healthcare. The significant focus on women's experiences with pain may also spur discussions about gender bias in medical treatment. Critics could argue that without actionable steps, such resolutions may fall short of producing necessary reforms in healthcare practices and policies surrounding pain management.