EFNA – in conjunction with Pain Alliance Europe [PAE] – is coordinating a Member of the European Parliament Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain.

Co-chaired by MEPs Marian Harkin, Jeroen Lenaers and Daciana Sârbu – the group will explore issues of common interest to those affected by neurological and chronic pain disorders. These will include stigma, quality of life, research and patient involvement.

In advance of the launch and beyond, EFNA and PAE are working to build a Register of Supporters from amongst the Members of the European Parliament [MEPs].

With 1 in 3 Europeans affected by a neurological disorder and 1 in 5 by chronic pain, EFNA and PAE are confident of collecting a large number of signatures of support.

Those who sign will show their support for the Interest Group as it calls on European policy-makers – via the Institutions and Member States – to:

1. Support patient-led campaigns to educate, eradicate stigma and raise awareness of neurological and chronic pain disorders
2. Support research into the development of innovative prevention and treatment options within a regulatory framework which facilitates equitable access to affordable therapies
3. Strengthen patient involvement in this research, and in policy-setting and decision-making
4. Implement relevant European social legislation to ensure appropriate support for people living with neurological and chronic pain disorders

Please help us to spread the word by alerting any MEP contacts you may have to this initiative and retweeting the posts from @EUneurology with #brainmindpain

A dedicated website will soon be launched for this initiative at: www.brainmindpain.eu

With your help and support we can make a difference to the lives of the millions of European affected by these debilitating disorders!