CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS HELPING CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS

What is HELP_AB?

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HELP_AB is a patient driven support, education and advocacy group that offers a unique program for patients with chronic pain.  As pain patients ourselves, we get it! We have spent years studying the challenges for patients and for the doctors that treat them.

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What does HELP_AB do? 

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Support: We offer patients and their families support online, over the phone and in person at community support groups.  We also do community information meetings throughout Alberta. Support for patients is critical as most patients feel alone, overwhelmed and misunderstood.  Knowing that there are people who understand and who care can completely change the outlook of a pain patient.

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Education: We teach patients how to communicate with their health care providers.  We know from experience that an educated patient has a much better chance of navigating the health care system.  Some of the other things we teach are self regulation, responsible medication practices, wellness, alternative therapies, coping mechanisms and much more. Most importantly, we teach patients how to be proactive in their care and to advocate for themselves.

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Advocacy: HELP_AB is the largest advocacy group of its kind in Alberta.  We fight for patient rights and we represent concerns that patients have with health authorities.