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

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

Thank you North American Pain School for this great podcast with Jessica Merlin! open.spotify.com/episode/5Mk95a…

Prayers for Stephanie Klipp, RN, CARN, CAAP, CRS 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 Jillian Gustin Sachin Kale and others.

Join us on Wed. Oct. 9 at 11am Eastern for CHAMPP's latest Works In Progress meeting, featuring Lacey W. Heinsberg who will discuss the capabilities, risks, and opportunities of Generative AI, focusing on its applications in research and academia. Email [email protected] for Zoom link.

Thank you to Lacey W. Heinsberg for your extremely thought-provoking Works In Progress presentation on using generative AI!

SO fun to get talk cancer, pain, stigma, and opioids with the fantastic faculty and trainees at WashU Medicine Anesthesiology Research. Thank you for the invitation!

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/

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

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

On 12/2, Jessica Merlin 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.

The Pitt TREETOP 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…

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

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

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

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

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

.Jessica Merlin joined The Curbsiders 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…