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
Recognizing June 25, 2026, as Pain Awareness Day; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, chronic pain is a serious and often invisible public health condition that affects
millions of Americans and significantly impacts physical, emotional, social, and economic
well-being; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20
percent of adults in the United States live with chronic pain, making it one of the nation's
most common causes of disability and reduced quality of life; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain affects an estimated two million adult Georgians and represents
one of the most prevalent and costly public health challenges facing this state, impacting
quality of life, workforce participation, family stability, healthcare utilization, and economic
productivity; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain negatively impacts the quality of life of Georgians by affecting
physical functioning, mental health, sleep, mobility, educational attainment, social
engagement, and the ability to participate fully in work, family, and community life; and
H. R. 33EX
WHEREAS, chronic pain affects individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, and
socioeconomic backgrounds and is experienced by veterans, older adults, individuals with
disabilities, workers, caregivers, and those living with chronic health conditions throughout
Georgia; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain places a substantial economic burden on the State of Georgia
through increased healthcare expenditures, lost wages, reduced productivity, workforce
shortages, disability-related costs, and other direct and indirect economic impacts affecting
businesses, families, communities, and public resources across this state; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain costs the United States economy hundreds of billions of dollars
annually in healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and reduced workforce participation,
demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of untreated and undertreated pain; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain often contributes to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and other
health challenges, further underscoring the need for comprehensive, patient-centered
approaches to care; and
WHEREAS, individuals living with chronic pain frequently face misunderstanding, bias, and
stigma that may delay diagnosis, discourage treatment, and negatively impact their physical
and emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain is a legitimate medical condition and not a personal weakness, and
increasing public awareness can help dismantle stigma, promote understanding, encourage
individuals to seek appropriate care, and improve outcomes for patients and their families;
and
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WHEREAS, education and awareness are essential to promoting prevention, early
intervention, evidence-based treatment, patient advocacy, caregiver support, and improved
quality of life for those living with chronic pain; and
WHEREAS, healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocates, caregivers, employers,
community organizations, and policymakers play a critical role in advancing awareness,
supporting innovation, and improving access to effective pain management and treatment
options; and
WHEREAS, Pain Awareness Day provides an opportunity to elevate public understanding
of chronic pain, recognize the resilience of those living with pain, support families and
caregivers, reduce stigma, and encourage continued research, education, and advocacy efforts
throughout Georgia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize June 25, 2026, as Pain Awareness Day.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.
H. R. 33EX