WASHINGTON -- Today, Reps. Dean and Lawrence introduced H.Res.1160 to recognize September 2020 as “Pain Awareness Month” and the disproportionate impact of migraine disease and headache disorders on women.
"The Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) is extremely grateful to Representative Dean for her leadership on this resolution. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of migraine and headache disease on women is critical to reducing stigma,” said AHDA Director of Operations, Katie MacDonald, “As these diseases become more understood and research is better funded, those impacted look forward to living fuller lives with increased productivity."
Rep. Dean has been working closely with the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, a coalition of nonprofit organizations who work to increase advocacy regarding headache disorders such as migraine disease and headaches.
“H.Res.1160 highlights the migraine and headache disorders that impact nearly 20% of women and occur nearly three times more often among women than men,” said Rep. Madeleine Dean. “It’s important we cancel the stigma that is often coupled with migraine and headache disorders, and recognize the severe symptoms and physical pain that is often dismissed.”
The stigma of migraine and headache disorders is exacerbated for women of color, who often reference failure of medical professionals to consider their pain and disorder with adequate concern.
“Women’s voices have gone unheard for far too long. Suffering from pain, including migraine disease and headache disorders, is especially difficult during a pandemic, as this period of instability can bring new and overwhelming challenges and feelings of uncertainty,” said Rep. Brenda Lawrence. “Migraine and headache disorders do not take a pause during a pandemic. I’m proud to co-lead this resolution alongside Congresswoman Madeleine Dean recognizing September 2020 as “Pain Awareness Month” and the disproportionate impact of migraine disease and headache disorders on women, especially women of color, where racial bias may affect how medical professionals assess and treat their pain.”
The resolution asks for additional support for migraine disease and headache disorders, and reaffirms a commitment to public education about migraine disease and headache disorders to reduce stigma.
