Medtronic Takes an Active Role in Improving America’s Health

As part of Medtronic's efforts to improve America's health, we were part of a very important hearing with the Subcommittee on Health in the U.S. House of Representatives held December 8, 2005. This hearing was entitled “Improving America's Health: Examining Federal Research Efforts for Pulmonary Hypertension and Chronic Pain”. It was designed to take a look at what the U.S. government can do to further examine the issue of chronic pain and what must be done in the future to increase awareness of chronic pain.

“There is a whole group of people out there who aren't being paid attention to,” said U.S. House Representative Mike Rogers, Congressional sponsor of HR1020 and advocate for more comprehensive and effective national strategies to address pain management. “We really don't understand pain and what works and what doesn't.”

Legislation is pending in the House of Representatives that would set aside $60 million annually to fund six undetermined regional centers charged with researching pain, providing educational programs, and serving as information centers for sufferers of chronic pain.

The hearing also gave insight into the chronic pain issue through the testimonies of people who deal with chronic pain everyday.

There was excellent testimony from Captain Jonathan Pruden who, as a soldier severely injured in Iraq, learned the importance of pain treatment and the challenges of getting pain treatment. “I saw first hand soldiers who slipped into the void that exists between the front door of the hospital and the adequate treatment of chronic pain. I've also experienced the lack of understanding in the medical community about what causes pain and how we can best treat it.” Captain Pruden's testimony was so moving that the Committee and room erupted into a spontaneous standing ovation.

The Committee also heard testimony from Dr. Joel Saper, the Founder and Director of the Michigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute. Dr. Saper articulated the prevalence and cost of pain in America, the challenges of getting good pain management, the extent of the problem of under-treated pain, and the lack of investment in pain research.

Medtronic's own Jake Vander Zanden, Vice President and General Manager of Medtronic Global Pain Management, spoke regarding the challenge of getting the public informed about the effects of untreated pain and the options available for pain treatment. Mr. Vander Zanden stated, “While our neurostimulation and drug delivery systems have provided relief to hundreds of thousands of those with chronic pain, there are still too many people who are suffering in silence, and who need to know about these additional medical options to adequately manage their pain.”

This hearing laid an excellent foundation for raising awareness of chronic pain in Congress. As the building of chronic pain awareness in America continues, Medtronic is proud to play an active role. Government hearings are only one of the important building blocks that raise awareness and help gain visibility for this national problem.

If you would like more information on how you can help Medtronic in its efforts at both the Federal and State levels to protect access to pain therapies for patients in need, please write to: preservingtherapyaccess@medtronic.com or “It's Up to Us” Grassroots Advocacy Program, Medtronic, Inc., 710 Medtronic Parkway, LN295, Minneapolis, MN 55432