Empowered Relief is a pain management class that can help people learn skills to address pain in a way that can reduce or help to eliminate opioid use.

Erin Clubb is a health educator with the Community Health Education Center. Clubb said she makes sure attendees leave with a personalized plan to face pain head-on at any time.

Who could benefit from this class

Clubb has worked with amputees, people who have chronic pain, those who suffer from chronic migraines and the program has recently been proven to help expectant mothers preparing for childbirth.

“You’ll learn how to shift your thoughts and focus your energy away from your pain,” she said. “This can reduce the impact of that pain on the body and the brain.”

During the class, the health educator said she makes sure everyone feels welcome.

“I’ve had people stand up and lean on the wall, I’ve had people lay on the floor,” Clubb said. “Whatever they need to do to be comfortable.”

Clubb said the goal is meeting people where they’re at in their journey.

Taking control of pain

“We understand that we aren’t going to cure pain,” she said. “That’s not what this class is. It’s to learn how its processed in the brain and the body so we are in the driver’s seat.”

The health educator said she sees a growing need for this in the community.

“Every day we see the impact of opioids,” Clubb said. “We want to make sure that we’re offering ways to help people pivot and find a healthier alternative to manage their pain.”

Clubb said she understands people suffering from chronic pain may be skeptical of these skills-based techniques. However, she’s found, and the research shows, that those who fold these practices into their everyday life report relief even months later.

“We know that pain doesn’t develop overnight, sometimes it’s decades of navigating pain,” Clubb said. “We don’t claim that this will fix it, but we’re retraining our brain away from pain and toward relief. We brainstorm timelines and barriers people might encounter. And we’re available for follow-ups if they have questions after class.”

How to sign up

This class has a $10 fee and will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 5, at the Community Health Education Center, in Salem Hospital Building D, Classroom 1.

Patients can be referred to this class via EPIC and referrals receive a discounted rate to attend.