LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare
September 2016 as Chronic Pain Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Pain is a major public health problem for children and adults
and is the number one reason Americans seek medical care; and
WHEREAS, The Institute of Medicine has found that 100 million Ameri-
cans live with chronic pain as a result of serious illnesses and inju-
ries; and
WHEREAS, As many as 20% of children in the United States have chronic
pain, which is pain that is persistent or recurring frequently for more
than three months; and
WHEREAS, Chronic pain costs the nation an estimated $560 to $630
billion annually in medical expenses, lost wages and lost productivity;
and
WHEREAS, Pain negatively impacts almost every aspect of a person's
life including the ability to work, sleep and engage in social activ-
ities as well as adversely impacts pain sufferers' families and caregiv-
ers; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Pain Foundation's mission is to inform, empower and
advocate on behalf of over 36,000 members throughout the country and all
those who live with chronic pain; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Pain Foundation provides education on pain manage-
ment skills and constructive ways to cope with chronic pain and find
fulfillment in life; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness about the effects of chronic pain results
in better outcomes, increased access to good pain care and empowerment
and validation for those living with pain; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to memorialize September 2016 as
Chronic Pain Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.