HR 33

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     House Resolution 33EX
     By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Cannon of the 58th, Davis of the 87th, Scott of the
     76th, and Lim of the 98th
                                 A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing June 25, 2026, as Pain Awareness Day; and for other purposes.
2 WHEREAS, chronic pain is a serious and often invisible public health condition that affects
3 millions of Americans and significantly impacts physical, emotional, social, and economic
4 well-being; and
5 WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20
6 percent of adults in the United States live with chronic pain, making it one of the nation's
7 most common causes of disability and reduced quality of life; and
8 WHEREAS, chronic pain affects an estimated two million adult Georgians and represents
9 one of the most prevalent and costly public health challenges facing this state, impacting
10 quality of life, workforce participation, family stability, healthcare utilization, and economic
11 productivity; and
12 WHEREAS, chronic pain negatively impacts the quality of life of Georgians by affecting
13 physical functioning, mental health, sleep, mobility, educational attainment, social
14 engagement, and the ability to participate fully in work, family, and community life; and
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15 WHEREAS, chronic pain affects individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, and
16 socioeconomic backgrounds and is experienced by veterans, older adults, individuals with
17 disabilities, workers, caregivers, and those living with chronic health conditions throughout
18 Georgia; and
19 WHEREAS, chronic pain places a substantial economic burden on the State of Georgia
20 through increased healthcare expenditures, lost wages, reduced productivity, workforce
21 shortages, disability-related costs, and other direct and indirect economic impacts affecting
22 businesses, families, communities, and public resources across this state; and
23 WHEREAS, chronic pain costs the United States economy hundreds of billions of dollars
24 annually in healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and reduced workforce participation,
25 demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of untreated and undertreated pain; and
26 WHEREAS, chronic pain often contributes to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and other
27 health challenges, further underscoring the need for comprehensive, patient-centered
28 approaches to care; and
29 WHEREAS, individuals living with chronic pain frequently face misunderstanding, bias, and
30 stigma that may delay diagnosis, discourage treatment, and negatively impact their physical
31 and emotional well-being; and
32 WHEREAS, chronic pain is a legitimate medical condition and not a personal weakness, and
33 increasing public awareness can help dismantle stigma, promote understanding, encourage
34 individuals to seek appropriate care, and improve outcomes for patients and their families;
35 and
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36 WHEREAS, education and awareness are essential to promoting prevention, early
37 intervention, evidence-based treatment, patient advocacy, caregiver support, and improved
38 quality of life for those living with chronic pain; and
39 WHEREAS, healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocates, caregivers, employers,
40 community organizations, and policymakers play a critical role in advancing awareness,
41 supporting innovation, and improving access to effective pain management and treatment
42 options; and
43 WHEREAS, Pain Awareness Day provides an opportunity to elevate public understanding
44 of chronic pain, recognize the resilience of those living with pain, support families and
45 caregivers, reduce stigma, and encourage continued research, education, and advocacy efforts
46 throughout Georgia.
47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
48 the members of this body recognize June 25, 2026, as Pain Awareness Day.
49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
50 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
51 public and the press.
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