FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2007
CONTACTS
LaDonna VanEngen, RN, CHPN, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, (402) 219-7043
lvanengen@stez.org
Sharon J. Johnson, HHSS Systems Change Grants Coordinator, (402) 471-1764
sharon.j.johnson@dhhs.ne.gov
Jeanne Atkinson, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-8287
Pilot Program Addresses Pain Issues So People With Disabilities Can Return to the Workforce
Note: Sound bites on this topic are available at:
http://www.hhss.ne.gov/audio/Lincoln - Is pain keeping you or someone you know from seeking a job? A new program gives Nebraskans with disabilities access to experts to help keep pain and symptom issues from getting in the way of daily activities--like holding a job.
"We’re accepting a few people from southeast Nebraska into a demonstration project of the Nebraska Pain Initiative and the Health and Human Services System," said Sharon Johnson with HHSS. "Participants will work with a nurse and social worker, who will analyze pain and symptom issues, make recommendations to the participant and their physician, and help put those recommendations in place."
For information or to be considered for this innovative new program, contact LaDonna VanEngen with Saint Elizabeth Palliative Care in Lincoln.
The Nebraska Pain Initiative is a program of the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Partnership (NHPCP). Established as a 501(c)3 community betterment non-profit in 1983, NHPCP is a collaborative effort of more than 60 organizations with an interest in good care for terminally and chronically ill Nebraskans.
-30-