WHEREAS, Approximately more than one hundred million Americans live with chronic pain caused by various diseases or disorders, and, each year, nearly twenty-five million Americans suffer with acute pain; and
     WHEREAS, Though medical knowledge and technology exist to relieve or greatly ease pain, most pain is untreated, undertreated, or improperly treated, and many health care professionals are still unaware of how to effectively treat pain; and
     WHEREAS, People who suffer from chronic pain often are stigmatized and marginalized and often are not informed about the right to effective pain assessment and management, and most people with pain, including those at the end of life, get little or no relief; and
     WHEREAS, There is a growing coalition of pain sufferers, physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, therapists, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and health care businesses whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people in Washington experiencing pain; and
     WHEREAS, It is the collective mission of this movement to provide practical information for people with pain, inform health care professionals about pain management, and serve as an advocate for people experiencing pain; and
     WHEREAS, The American Pain Foundation recognizes September 2013 as Pain Awareness Month;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call upon all Washingtonians to observe this month by participating in appropriate ceremonies and activities, and by learning how to improve the quality of life for people in Washington suffering from pain.