State and Federal Advocacy
Advancing policies that improve the lives of people living with chronic pain
People living with pain remain underserved despite the enormous personal, social, and economic impact of chronic pain. Individuals and families affected by pain often face significant barriers to care, including affordability challenges, limited access to comprehensive treatment options, stigma, gaps in education and awareness, insufficient research funding, and a lack of social support.
U.S. Pain Foundation works to address these challenges through state and federal advocacy, coalition engagement, grassroots action, patient education, and leadership development. By elevating the voices of people with lived experience, we strive to advance policies that improve access to care, promote patient-centered treatment, and improve quality of life for people living with pain.
WHAT WE DO
U.S. Pain Foundation advocates on a wide range of issues affecting people living with chronic pain and their families.
Our advocacy efforts include:
- Educating policymakers and stakeholders about the realities of living with pain
- Elevating the patient voice in policy discussions
- Participating in state and federal legislative efforts as well as regulatory efforts
- Supporting policies that improve access to a broad range of treatment approaches and to more comprehensive, patient-centered care
- Engaging in coalitions and collaborative initiatives
- Educating people with lived experience about how to enage in pain policy advocacy
We believe that people living with chronic pain should have a seat at the table whenever policies affecting their care are being discussed.
STATE AND FEDERAL ADVOCACY
Meaningful change happens at every level of government.
U.S. Pain Foundation engages in both state and federal advocacy efforts to help ensure the needs and experiences of people living with chronic pain are represented in policy discussions. From meetings with lawmakers to participating in public comment periods to coalition engagement and grassroots action campaigns, we work to advance policies that improve access to care, support research and innovation, and promote better outcomes for patients and families.
EXPLORE OUR ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
Priorities and positions
See where U.S. Pain is focusing its advocacy efforts and find position statements.
Current action campaigns
Check to see if there are any currently active state or federal action campaigns.
Register for advocacy opportunities
Be the first to know about new opportunities to take action. Join our Advocacy Action Alert!
ADVOCATES IN ACTION
The most powerful advocates are those with lived experience.
Through advocacy education, training opportunities, and engagement initiatives, U.S. Pain Foundation helps individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively participate in advocacy efforts. Our advocates learn how to communicate with policymakers, share their stories effectively, participate in legislative meetings, and help advance meaningful change for people living with chronic pain.
Many of our advocates respond to action alerts, attend meetings with elected officials, provide patient perspectives, participate in coalition efforts, and help raise awareness about issues affecting the pain community.
In some states, advocates have formed collaborative teams focused on issues affecting their local communities.
California Advocacy Team (CAT)
The California Advocacy Team (CAT) is a group of U.S. Pain Foundation trained volunteer advocates dedicated to improving the lives of Californians living with chronic pain. Team members monitor legislation, educate policymakers, participate in advocacy initiatives, and support efforts that promote access to safe, effective, and comprehensive pain care.
CAT serves as one example of how advocates can work together to create positive change at the state level while contributing to U.S. Pain Foundation’s broader advocacy efforts.
GET INVOLVED
You do not need prior advocacy experience to make a difference.
Whether you are living with pain, caring for someone who is, a healthcare professional, or simply passionate about improving pain care, there are many ways to get involved.
✓ Sign up for advocacy alerts
✓ Participate in advocacy campaigns
✓ Attend advocacy education and training opportunities
✓ Share your story
✓ Connect with fellow advocates
✓ Help elevate the voice of the pain community