They provide educational and training programs for the public and health care professionals. They advocate with government, health and social service agencies for the rights of individual with the disease and to ensure care is affordable and of the highest quality. AAFP was founded in 1947 to promote and maintain high quality standards for family doctors who are providing continuing comprehensive healthcare to the public. A half century later, it has grown to become one of the largest medical organizations in the U.S., with chapters in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam, as well as international members throughout the world. In the twelve years since the first state Cancer Pain Initiative was formed in Wisconsin, the Initiative concept has grown in strength and visibility and has become a significant force for change in the way cancer pain is managed in the American health care system.
Initiatives are now in various stages of development in all fifty states.
In April 1996, Initiative participants endorsed the formation of a national organization to support and coordinate the activities of Initiatives across the country. The mission is to promote cancer pain relief nationwide. As the national voice for baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing education programs, AACN serves the public interest by assisting deans and directors to improve and advance nursing education, research and practice. Since that time, AACN has grown to become the world's largest specialty nursing association. AACN is dedicated to meeting the needs of its 68,000 members who care for acutely and critically ill patients and families.