#MYPainMatters! (MPM) Lab
Our Mission: To elevate the voices and experiences of pain in the underserved, empower older adults to manage pain, and serve the community through pain education, advocacy, and research. We aim to improve the health of older Black individuals and families managing chronic pain by leveraging health solutions, cultural and spiritual assets and eradicating sociopolitical and structural barriers. Our Motto is “We walk by FAITH (Finding Arthritis Interventions That Help)!”
100 Million
One Nation Under Pain
Over 100 million Americans, or 1/3 of the U.S. population, have chronic pain. African Americans often experience more severe and high-impact chronic pain.
$635 Billion
One Nation In Debt
Over $635 billion dollars are spent each year on pain-related healthcare and disability expenditures. African Americans experience receive less equitable care, often spending more money for healthcare and experiencing worse outcomes and complications.
=Top 7
A Diaspora’s Practices
The top seven strategies that African Americans use to manage chronic pain include: over-the-counter medications, prescribed medications, heat/warm compress, exercise, topical creams and rubs, prayer, and massage.
OUR SERVICES
At the #MyPainMatters Lab, we offer several services and resources to our community to promote good pain management and wellness. We partner with organizations to help them support people living with chronic pain.
Opportunities to participate in pain research studies, sign-up for the PRICE registry, and help navigate to other pain studies across UF.
On-site and virtual education seminars on chronic pain and its management, including arthritis and cancer pain.
On-site and virtual training to provide tools to support personal and caregiver advocacy, communication with providers, and healthcare navigation. We also train individuals to be Pain Navigators.
Expert guidance and support to community organizations, churches, and other venues to implement pain-friendly accessibility options, programs, and site certification.
Request information about our personalized partner kits and individual toolkits with information, materials, and resources to support communities, families, and people with pain.