Pitt Challenges in Managing & Preventing Pain

.@JessicaMerlinMD joined @thecurbsiders to bust common myths and explore strategies to support patients with #ChronicPain and #OpioidUseDisorder. Listen to the episode and access resources: thecurbsiders.com/curbsiders-pod…

A pilot study tested Zoom-delivered Empowered Relief, a single-session pain relief skills class for chronic pain patients. Results show promise in reducing pain and improving engagement, but more research is needed to assess long-term benefits. Read more: formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e68292

Check out our February 2025 Newsletter, featuring a faculty spotlight, highlighting recent presentations, and new publications. Read more here: mailchi.mp/3214315a483a/c…

CHAMPP is going green! We’re making our office more sustainable by reducing waste, saving energy, choosing eco-friendly food options, and more. Learn about the changes we’re making & how you can join us in building a greener future! [bit.ly/3CAvERe] #Sustainability

New publication in press: "Recent Advances in the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Substance Use Disorders" explores behavioral interventions and care models to address chronic pain and SUDs. Read more: sciencedirect.com/science/articl… #Research #ChronicPain #SUD #MentalHealth

Happy New Year! Check out the December newsletter from CHAMPP. mailchi.mp/fa23abe4fd57/c…

The @PittTREETOP team hosted the annual IMPOWR Network Meeting on Nov 18, bringing together researchers from the network's four centers to share efforts aimed at improving the lives of those with both opioid addiction and chronic pain. Read more here: health.pitt.edu/news/universit…

On 12/2, @JessicaMerlinMD co-led a @NIH HEAL Initiative workshop to establish research priorities for the next phase, focusing on providing the greatest benefit to those affected by substance use and pain. Several CHAMPP members contributed as part of the planning subcommittee.

Check out the November newsletter from CHAMPP! mailchi.mp/7b9a316f5f95/c…

@DrEWinstanley recently spoke with the AP about new data showing a decline in the national overdose death rate. Read the full article here: apnews.com/article/us-ove…

On 11/23, CHAMPP/TREETOP joined the Urban League of Pittsburgh’s Annual Thanksgiving distribution, distributing: ✔️ 150 Narcan kits ✔️ 200 Fentanyl test strips ✔️ 200 Xylazine test strips Grateful to our team, volunteers, & partners! #CommunityEngagement #Healthequity

A study led by Dr. Jessica Merlin and Dr. Sarah Young looked at common and challenging behaviors among individuals on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). The behaviors were grouped into four main themes, as seen below. For the publication, follow this link: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31855919/

SO fun to get talk cancer, pain, stigma, and opioids with the fantastic faculty and trainees at @WashUAnesRsrch. Thank you for the invitation!

Thank you to @lwheinsberg for your extremely thought-provoking Works In Progress presentation on using generative AI!

Join us on Wed. Oct. 9 at 11am Eastern for CHAMPP's latest Works In Progress meeting, featuring @lwheinsberg who will discuss the capabilities, risks, and opportunities of Generative AI, focusing on its applications in research and academia. Email champp@pitt.edu for Zoom link.

Prayers for @HarmRedux_RN who had a cardiac arrest on Monday while her wife is about to give birth. If you want to donate, gofundme.com/f/help-deanna-…

Was an honor to visit Ohio State’s Division of Palliative Medicine this week. So much amazing science and practice innovation happening under the stellar leadership of @JillianGustin @sachinkalemd and others.

Thank you @NAPainSchool for this great podcast with @JessicaMerlinMD! open.spotify.com/episode/5Mk95a…

So honored to receive a mentorship award from the @UPMCHillmanCC UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Gratitude to @hwbulls who nominated me ♥️ and took this lovely pic of the back of my head 😂 much love to all of my mentors today.

"Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxant Medications for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review" from @JessicaMerlinMD and collaborators is now available in JAMA Network Open! jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman…