Healthcare Support
Resources to help you navigate the healthcare system.
Navigating health care can be especially challenging when your child’s pain is not taken seriously
— and even more so if you feel your family is being dismissed due to race, ethnicity, or cultural background.
Racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment are real and documented. You are not imagining it.
You Are Not Alone
You Are Not Alone
You Are Not Alone
It is not a failure on your part.
Many families share similar experiences.
You know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right or your concerns are not being heard, it’s okay to speak up.
Speak Up
You Are Not Alone
You Are Not Alone
Your voice matters, and your child’s pain deserves real care and respect.
You and your child are the experts in your child’s symptoms.
If you feel dismissed, it’s okay to redirect the conversation.
Come Together
You Are Not Alone
You Have Rights
Advocating can be difficult and stressful.
Build relationships with others who are going through something similar.
Acknowledge this inequality with your child. Help them learn advocate for themselves in health care settings.
You Have Rights
You Have Rights
You Have Rights
Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
You have the right to ask for a second opinion, to see a different provider, to leave the appointment, to get a copy of your medical records, and to request a referral to a pain specialist.
Learn More
You Have Rights
Learn More
Educating yourself about pediatric chronic pain can help inform your and your child’s decisions about medical care.
Check out some of our resources below for more tip on navigating health care.