Breaking the Silence on Chronic Pain in the Trades with Melanie McDonald and James Boseley from Pain BC

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

Follow Action On Pain:

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

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

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.