In this episode of Action On Pain, Virginia, Keith, and Jennifer speak with Melanie McDonald and James Boseley from Pain BC about the Trades and Pain campaign — a BC government-funded initiative tackling chronic pain among construction and trades workers. With over 50% of trades workers living with chronic pain, the campaign challenges workplace stigma through direct messaging, education, and accessible support like a text-based counseling service. Featuring toolbox talks and peer support development, the initiative aims to shift workplace culture from "pushing through pain" to seeking help — with plans for national expansion following its BC rollout.

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Links for this episode:

Pain BC Trades and Pain Program - https://painbc.ca/trades-and-pain-program

Follow Pain BC:

Website - https://painbc.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PainBc/

Follow Melanie McDonald:

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/melanie-mcdonald-b14795172

UBC - https://socialwork.ubc.ca/profile/melanie-mcdonald/

Pacific Pain Forum - https://pacificpainforum.ca/team-members/melanie-mcdonald/

Follow James Boseley:

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation Article - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mental-health/trades-workers-chronic-pain-health/

ICBA Article - https://icba.ca/bc-blog/training-thursday-the-pain-no-one-talks-about-on-the-job-site?province=BC

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/action-on-pain/

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Follow Virginia:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/

Website - www.pipain.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virginia_mci/

Follow Jennifer:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdalycyr/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_dalycyr/#

Follow Keith:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-meldrum-03701734/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-path-forward-pain

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meldrum_keith/

Website - https://www.facebook.com/APathFWD

Follow Chronic Pain Network

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpn-rdc/posts/?feedView=all

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The Action on Pain podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Chronic Pain Network, a national research and knowledge mobilization network.