WSU College of Nursing researcher Dr. Marian Wilson co-authors national commentary highlighting urgent need for equitable pain management across rural America.
Access to effective pain care shouldn’t depend on where a person lives. Yet, for the nearly 60 million Americans residing in rural communities, that’s often the reality. A new commentary co-authored by Dr. Marian Wilson, professor at the Washington State University College of Nursing, calls on nurses nationwide to help close the gap in pain care access for rural residents.
Published in Pain Management Nursing, the article — “Pain Relief Should Not Have a Zip Code: Nurses Call to Action to Address Rural Pain Care Disparities” — examines how geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and limited availability of nonpharmacologic treatments contribute to higher rates of chronic pain, opioid use, and poorer health outcomes in rural areas.
“Rural Americans experience more pain, yet have fewer opportunities for evidence-based treatment,” said Wilson. “Nurses can make a tremendous difference by bringing compassionate, holistic care directly to these communities — whether in person or through telehealth.”
Marian Wilson, PhD, MPH, RN, PMGT-BC
The authors emphasize that nurses are uniquely positioned to lead change as clinicians, advocates, educators, and researchers. They point to programs such as Empowered Relief® — a brief behavioral intervention proven to reduce pain and improve mental health outcomes — as examples of how nurses can extend evidence-based care to patients who might otherwise go untreated. Wilson and colleagues recently published a national randomized trial demonstrating that nurses can effectively deliver Empowered Relief online.
The paper also highlights the strengths found within rural communities themselves — resilience, strong social connections, and trusted local institutions — as essential foundations for equitable health solutions. By partnering with schools, churches, and local organizations, nurses can expand access to pain education and community-based support.
As a national voice in pain management and health equity, Wilson’s ongoing research and outreach align with WSU’s RELIEF Pain Hub initiative*, which provides free education and resources to help Washington residents manage pain safely and effectively.
“Pain relief should not have a zip code,” Wilson said. “Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, nurses can help ensure that no rural patient is left behind.”
* The RELIEF project (Resources and Education Leading to Improved Pain Care Equity For Washingtonians) is funded by a grant from the Washington State Health Care Authority.
