About Us

The Florida Pain Initiative (FPI) is a volunteer organization founded in the early 1980’s. In 2001 a collaboration with the American Cancer Society was initiated thus facilitating and creating a productive and rewarding relationship between the two collaborative organizations. The FPI consists of a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals including: physicians, pharmacists, nurses, researchers, administrators, patients, and educators, and is a member of the Alliance of State Pain Initiatives. The mission of the FPI is to serve as a statewide resource and to improve the quality of life of Florida residents by the promotion of pain relief through: education, clinical practice and patient advocacy. Part of this effort includes the development and implementation of educational programs for patients, students and health care professionals with the goal of improving knowledge about pain, its consequences and management. Over the past ten years the FPI has been very active in a number of areas with a list of major accomplishments that includes the: Spectrum of Pain (2003, 2004); Florida Pain Summit (2006-2009); Pain Expo (2007); Collaboration with American Cancer Society (2001-2009); Power Over Pain (2002); Florida Pain Cards (2004, 2009); Pain Survey (2003, 2006).  One especially interesting fact from our pain survey is that there is resounding support throughout the state for the creation of a state funded program to help people with chronic pain. Development and implementation of such a program remains one of the biggest challenges to the FPI.

In spite of the numerous accomplishments the FPI continues to have multiple challenges.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the ability to recruit dedicated volunteers willing to devote time to projects and initiatives. Based on the number of people involved, each year efforts are made to identify primary goals and establish priorities for the new year. During this phase of planning an effort is made to equitably distribute responsibilities among the volunteers. Finally, there is the challenge of finding resources to accomplish the established goals.
Recognition that pain is a significant healthcare concern in the state of Florida with an estimated 5 million residents affected at an annual cost of nearly 5 billion dollars creates an increasing need for the FPI to continue its efforts to educate and advocate for those affected. To accomplish our goals we need to remember that our strength is in numbers and the more members we have the louder our voice can be and the louder our voice the more we can accomplish. In an effort to help us accomplish our goals…..we need your help!!! So do your part to become a pain advocate and get involved with the FPI today!