To the editor:

For years, too many Kansans have lived and died in pain. Patients often do not expect pain relief, and doctors have not always provided it or have hesitated to prescribe appropriate medication.

Through the work of the Kansas LIFE Project and its 70 partners, Kansas has become the first state in the nation with a joint policy statement by the Board of Healing Arts, Board of Nursing and Board of Pharmacy on the use of controlled substances for the treatment not only of terminal pain, but also of chronic and acute pain.

The Lawrence Caring Community Council is pleased that the medical community and the professional licensing boards are committed to ensuring that Kansans live to the end of life as pain-free as possible.

The Council encourages you to talk to your doctor about pain, agree on an appropriate treatment, and don’t give up until pain is managed at an acceptable level.

If you have questions about end-of-life care, you can find resources at www.lifeproject.org or the toll-free helpline at 1-888-202-5433. For local information, call 841-1816.

We are committed to continuing this work with the Kansas LIFE Project to ensure that every Kansan lives to the end of life in dignity, comfort, and peace.

Emily Taylor, chairwoman,

Lawrence Caring Community Council