UNE joins Maine in recognizing Pain Awareness and National Recovery Month

On September 5, 2017, the University of New England joined the City of Saco, the Chronic Pain Support Group of Southern Maine and Young People in Recovery to recognize September as Pain Awareness and National Recovery Month.

Saco Representative Donna Bailey read a proclamation signed by Governor Paul LePage at a Saco City Council meeting. Representatives of Senator Angus King and Senator Susan Collins were also in attendance.

An estimated 1 in 3 Americans are affected with chronic pain, and between 75 and 159 million Americans experience some type of chronic pain on a daily basis. 20.2 million adults live with substance use disorders and more than 90,000 Americans die from drugs and alcohol yearly. There are 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery.

UNE has a strong commitment to research, education and advocacy of chronic pain and substance use disorders. Through the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences and the Center for Biomedical Research Excellence for the Study of Pain and Sensory Function, UNE scientists and students work toward a better understanding of these conditions, and improved treatments. UNE also works to educate both its health professions students and the greater community through a variety of outreach efforts.

Since 1993, the Chronic Pain Support Group of Southern Maine has provided safe support and taught coping skills for people living with chronic pain. The support group has worked with a multidisciplinary group of chronic pain advocates comprised of students, staff, faculty and community members along with heath care professionals to improve the lives of people living in pain.

To learn more about the University of New England’s Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, visit www.une.edu/research/cen

To learn more about UNE’s Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for the Study of pain and Sensory Function, visit www.une.edu/research/cobre

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions