Cow Creek Foundation Grant to Support Young Adult Neuroplastic Science Program
Oregon Pain Science Alliance has received a $4,500 Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation grant to support ONSET, a Lane County program where young adults learn about neuroplastic science and develop educational projects for their peers.
EUGENE, Ore. - A program that puts young adults in charge of helping explain pain science to their peers is receiving a financial boost from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation.
Oregon Pain Science Alliance has been awarded a $4,500 grant for ONSET, the Oregon Neuroplastic Science Engagement Team. The Lane County program works with people ages 18 to 24, giving participants an opportunity to learn about the brain, nervous system and persistent symptoms while developing educational projects for other young adults.
Rather than simply attending classes or presentations, ONSET participants help decide how the program communicates its information. They can research health topics, develop educational materials, plan community outreach and provide input on what language and examples are most likely to connect with people their age.
The program focuses in part on neuroplasticity and the ways changes involving the brain and nervous system can play a role in chronic pain and other persistent symptoms.
Organizers say the experience also gives participants an opportunity to build skills in communication, project planning and community education.
The new grant will be used for program development and facilitation, supplies for participant projects and efforts to recruit additional young adults. Early outreach will focus on Lane County and nearby rural communities.
ONSET is currently accepting volunteer participants ages 18 to 24.
While young adults living with chronic pain or other persistent symptoms are especially encouraged to participate, having those symptoms is not a requirement. No previous background in neuroscience is needed.
According to information included with the grant announcement, 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed chronic pain affected 12.3% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 29.
Oregon Pain Science Alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides education about pain and neuroplastic science, including information about how the brain and nervous system can contribute to persistent symptoms.
Young adults interested in ONSET can contact opsavolunteers@gmail.com for more information.
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