COLUMBUS—Today, Senate Bill 291 – a bill introduced by Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) – passed the Ohio Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support. SB 291 would designate the month of September as “Pain Awareness Month” in the state of Ohio.

“Awareness is the first step toward solving Ohio’s pain management crisis. I want Ohioans suffering from chronic pain to know that they are not alone, and that there are healthy ways to help manage their pain,” said Senator Yuko. “I am proud to see my Senate colleagues take this important step to raise awareness of pain management issues in Ohio.”

Nearly 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain – more than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Chronic pain can result from a variety of underlying problems, but for many the pain cannot be cured, only treated. Senator Yuko urges those suffering from chronic pain to adopt a healthy pain management plan.

“The public needs to be aware that just because you can’t witness a person’s pain, it doesn’t mean that person isn’t suffering,” said Senator Yuko. “I hope this bill will pass the House with bi-partisan support so we can bring healthy and safe pain management to the forefront of patient care.”

Senator Yuko introduced similar legislation in the House during the 128^th and 129^th General Assemblies. His bill passed the House during the 129^th General Assembly.