Whereas , Pain takes an economic toll on our country, costing billions of dollars each year in medical expenses, lost wages, reduced productivity, and other costs; and,

Whereas , Improved pain management education and an effective multidisciplinary treatment approach can help reduce suffering and remove barriers to pain-free living; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as Pain Awareness Month.