The Meg Foundation for Pain

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Check it out! We are so thrilled to be featured in the latest of edition of the Pediatric Pain Letter, and a part of this amazing collaboration with the Pain Special Interest Group of The Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP)! Special thanks to the people who helped make this happen, including Dr. Rachael Coakley, Dr. Sara Fligelman, and Dr. Kate Turnage. We just LOVE a good collaboration!

We LOVE Child Life!

Medical mistrust isn’t just about fear—it’s about?lived experiences, systemic failures, and the undeniable reality that?not all patients are treated equally. And it’s not just history—it’s happening right now, shaping the way people seek care, experience pain treatment, and trust (or don’t trust) the medical system. As Black History Month comes to a close, we’re highlighting the?deep-rooted inequities in pain care?and amplifying the voices demanding change. From the painful truth of racial bias in medicine to the personal stories behind medical mistrust, this month’s newsletter brings you research, real-life experiences, and conversations that need to be heard.?Because awareness is just the beginning—action is what truly makes a difference. https://eepurl.com/i-M26Y

It’s #BlackHistoryMonth, and now is the time to have the crucial conversation about the significant racial disparities in pain care. ?? These inequalities have real, harmful consequences, and we must confront them head-on if we’re going to create change. To truly fix these systemic issues, we need to shine a light on the hard truths and be willing to face the facts. This is a critical step toward building a healthcare system that’s fair, compassionate, and effective for everyone. Let’s keep the conversation going and stay committed to a future where everyone receives the care and respect they deserve. Together, we can #DoBetter. ?? #BeAPainChampion and join us in advocating for equity in medicine.

?? Is your child afraid of needles? You’re not alone—nearly two-thirds of kids and a quarter of adults share that fear. But the good news is, there are plenty of ways to make needle pokes easier, and it all starts with preparation! On our website, we’re proud to offer an incredible resource by Dr. Jody and Dr. David Becker. Their article, “Taking Fear and Pain Out of Needles—for Your Child and You,” provides research-backed strategies to help your child face needles with confidence. ?? From using comforting language to creating a personalized plan for doctor visits, and exploring tools like numbing creams and distraction techniques, these two experts share practical steps that can make a big difference. And yes—there are even techniques like vibration tools that can stop pain signals before they reach the brain! ? This is about empowering your child to feel in control. As Dr. Jody says, "We can turn anxiety into confidence with the right plan in place." Don’t wait for the next check-up or vaccine—head over to our website now to read the full article and get tips on how to make doctor visits a calmer, more positive experience for your child (and for you!). You’ve got this! ?? ?? Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/edf5gcV2 A big thanks to our partners at American Academy of Pediatrics for helping us spread awareness about taking the fear out of needles for kids! Together, we can help families feel more prepared and confident.

?? The Time is Now: Double Your Impact! There’s still time to make a BIG difference. Until midnight (Pacific Time), every dollar you give is matched—up to $50,000—doubling your impact. Pain isn’t just “part of growing up.” It’s a big deal. For kids, undertreated pain doesn’t just fade away—it leaves lasting impressions that can shape their lives. Anxiety, trauma, and fear of doctors often begin when pain isn’t taken seriously. ?? At the Meg Foundation, we believe every child deserves better. Your support helps us develop life-changing resources, drive public education campaigns, and advocate for healthcare policies that prioritize compassionate, effective pain care. And tonight, your gift can do twice as much. Every donation before midnight is matched—up to $50,000—amplifying the change we can create together. ?? Join us in transforming how the world approaches kids’ pain. The time to act is now. https://lnkd.in/eau3W4PC

? Final Hours to Double Your Impact! Until midnight tonight (Pacific Time), every dollar you give is matched—up to $50,000—doubling your impact and fueling real change. Your gift creates BIG change! Last week we shared that: ?? $25 provides family-friendly guides to kids and parents. ? $50 keeps critical resources open and accessible. ? $100 delivers pain care toolkits to healthcare providers. ? $250 funds virtual workshops for community health partners. Now imagine what $500—or even $10,000—can do. Were talking: ?? Develop more interactive online resources that empower families. ?? Fund public education campaigns that prioritize children's pain care and influence pain care policies. ?? Advance comprehensive pain management programs for kids at home, in the clinic, and during inpatient stays. ?? And so much more! This match is a chance to double the difference we make for kids, families, and the future of pain care. Join us before midnight and make your gift count twice! ?? Double your Donation Now! https://lnkd.in/eau3W4PC

This year, the Meg Foundation made BIG strides in pain care. Milestones like being featured in the CDC’s vaccine guidebook and testifying at the FDA highlight how we’ve expanded our reach and strengthened partnerships to deliver life-changing solutions. ?? Dr. Jody shares how your support helped us create real change in 2024 and how we’re gearing up for an even bigger 2025. Read her message and be sure to sign up for our emails to stay connected to our impact: https://shorturl.at/bp2Zx ?? Let’s make the final hours of 2024 count. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar until midnight—turn $50,000 into $100,000! Every single dollar matters. Thank you for being a vital part of this progress—together, we’re breaking barriers and changing lives. Give a gift today! https://lnkd.in/eau3W4PC