Abstract: Voices of People with Pain is a public event open to pain sufferers, their families, their caregivers and the general public.This event features the stories of people living with pain as told in their own words and will put a face to the serious nature of pain.Untreated or undertreated pain is our nation's leading public health problem and the only way to move forward is to heighten the public's awareness about the impact pain has on those who suffer, their families and our health care leaders.The presentation covers three basic areas that pain sufferers experience on their journey through pain.As Thomas Jefferson said, "The art of life is the art of avoiding pain; and he is the best pilot, who steers clearest of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset."This leads to the premise of the presentation as follows:• Chronic pain can happen to anyone.It does not discriminate.It affects people of all stages of life -the young, the middle-aged and the elderly.• Not treating pain or believing it does not exist causes serious problems.Pain weakens the immune system and slows recovery from disease or injury.It diminishes quality of life and impacts almost every aspect of a person's life.• People in pain can lead a productive life and contribute to society.