About The Non-Opioid Pain
Alleviation Information
Network (NOPAINMN)
Pain Relief, Reimagined.
The Non-Opioid Pain Alleviation Information Network (NO PAINMN) is a collaborative initiative of Hennepin Healthcare and the Minnesota Department of Health. Together, these partners created Minnesota's first statewide, public resource connecting residents with trusted, evidence-based, drug-free options for managing pain.
Minnesota is currently the only state in the country with a resource map of this kind. NO PAINMN links people experiencing chronic pain with a diverse network of licensed healthcare professionals and certified practitioners—including providers of integrative and functional medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, psychology, massage therapy, and mind-body therapies.
This collaborative project reflects a shared commitment by Hennepin Healthcare, Minnesota public health leaders, local healthcare partners, and pain patients to expand access to safe, effective, non-opioid pain care for all Minnesotans.
NOPAINMN Mission
Our mission is to expand access to evidence-based, drug-free pain care throughout Minnesota by maintaining a
statewide directory of licensed healthcare professionals and certified practitioners trained in evidence-based, non-
opioid pain treatment methods—empowering Minnesotans to make informed choices and connect with trusted
care.
NOPAINMN Vision
We envision a Minnesota where every person living with pain can easily access safe, effective, evidence-based care
—and where non-opioid pain treatment is fully integrated into the state's healthcare landscape, setting a national
example for expanding drug-free pain care.
NOPAINMN Story
NO PAINMN was established through funding from the Minnesota Department of Health under the 2019 Opiate Response Law, with support from Hennepin Healthcare. In developing this resource, the project team engaged people living with pain, healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and insurance partners to better understand the real-world factors that support or hinder access to non-opioid care.
Through in-depth interviews and stakeholder input, the team identified key barriers and facilitators to using non-
pharmacologic treatments—spanning financial, logistical, relational, and experiential factors. These findings
continue to inform how NO PAINMN evolves to meet the needs of both patients and providers.
The provider directory is actively maintained to ensure it reflects current, evidence-based treatment options. It is
designed to serve as a living resource that supports ongoing improvements in pain care access across Minnesota.
For too many Minnesotans, chronic pain shapes daily life—limiting movement, work, connection, and joy.
A growing network of healthcareprofessionals offers a new path: proven, drug-free care to manage pain and restore quality of life.
NOPAINMN makes these options easier to find—connecting Minnesotans with certified providers in integrative medicine, physical therapy, acupuncture, mind-body therapies, and more.
Who We Are
Dr. Prasad is the Chief Strategic Development Officer at Hennepin Healthcare and is a Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She has extensive background and experience in integrative medicine. At Hennepin, Dr. Prasad has created a new division in the Department of Medicine, particularly the Division of Person-Centered, Culturally-Inspired Integrative Health. She is also a founding member of the American Board of Integrative Medicine and serves as a current board member for Pathways, a community nonprofit that provides free integrative health services to people in need.
Before coming to Minnesota, Dr. Prasad was a Professor of Internal Medicine and the Chief of the Divison of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Integrative Medicine at the University of New Mexico (UNM). Her dedication to integrative, intercultural, and community health led her to develop the UNM Center for Life, a center for patient care, learning, and community education. Dr. Prasad brings this passion for integrative medicine and healing to the NO PAIN MN team and shares, "This project serves as an antidote to the ongoing opioid epidemic in that we hope to empower patients and providers towards a path of 'do no harm' pain alleviation. We aspire to demonstrate that pain management and healing is possible without narcotics."
Dr. Printon is a practicing chiropractor and serves as the current Division Director for Integrative Health at Hennepin Healthcare. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minnesota and was certified in McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Physical Therapy by the McKenzie Institute in Syracuse, New York.
As part of his chiropractic practice, Dr. Printon is passionate about integrating chiropractic care into a multi-disciplinary medical setting. He brings his expertise to the NO PAIN MN team and shares, "As a chiropractor, I treat patients with chronic pain on a daily basis. I personally have seen how evidence-based, non-opioid care can and does alleviate pain. I am thrilled to be part of a project that helps patients and providers navigate non-opioid pain management."
Catherine Justice is an Integrative Physical Therapist, Certified Yoga Therapist, and Program Manager for Integrative Health at Hennepin Healthcare. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Minnesota and is a graduate of the Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine's two-year Fellowship. She is the Associate Editor for the International Journal of Yoga Therapy and founder of The Art of Wellness, LLC. She is a freelance writer and speaker and is passionate about increasing access to integrative medicine for everyone.
Danayte graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Before joining the NOPAIN MN team, she spent several years in the hospitality industry managing restaurants, and worked as a freelance editor and project manager for a Minnesota roofing company.
In her final semester of university, she discovered a passion for business and lifelong learning, which continue to shape her multidisciplinary approach to work. She is especially drawn to people-centered work that reflects NOPAIN MN's commitment to integrative, whole-person care, and is a strong advocate for both traditional and alternative forms of therapy and overall well-being. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and staying active in the gym.
Jadyn Knox is a Sr. Research Assistant for Integrative Health at Hennepin Healthcare. She graduated from Clarke University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in psychology and a minor in biology. She is currently working on completing her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Research and Experimental Psychology at San José State University, with a focus on substance misuse and overdose risk, knowledge, and attitudes. She is passionate about research focused on clinically meaningful improvements and spreading knowledge of and access to integrative health modalities.
Jessica Brown is a Licensed Acupuncturist and the Lead Advanced Practice Provider for the Division of Integrative Health at Hennepin Healthcare. She holds a Master of Oriental Medicine degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University and is a diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Jessica is dedicated to delivering evidence-based, compassionate acupuncture care—particularly to communities that may otherwise face barriers to accessing this form of treatment.
Chris has worked in interactive media for over 25 years. With a background in visual and musical arts, as well as video & audio production, Chris brings a unique blend of artistic and pragmatic sensibilities to his current role as a web developer. His work can be found in a wide variety of industries, from health care and non-profit to industrial and ecommerce.
When not furiously slinging code or vanquishing computer bugs, Chris enjoys biking, rock climbing, guitar picking and playing farm with his family on their small acreage just north of the Twin Cities.
NOPAIN MN Acknowledgement of Foundational Contributors
We gratefully acknowledge the foundational contributions of Sophie Kurschner, BA, Miamoua Vang, BA, and Jeffery A. Duske, PhD, whose early involvement was instrumental in shaping the vision, structure, and integrity of the NOPAIN MN initiative.
As Project Assistants, Sophie and Mia played key roles in the program's formative stages, contributing to research synthesis, content development, and operational coordination. Their academic backgrounds and demonstrated commitment to advancing equitable, integrative approaches to care brought depth and interdisciplinary insight to the early development of this work.
Dr. Jeffery Dusek, a nationally recognized leader in integrative health research, served as a Research Consultant during the project's initial phase. His strategic guidance and methodological expertise helped to establish the scientific rigor and educational framework that continues to guide NOPAIN MN's evolution.
We are deeply appreciative of their contribution, which laid the groundwork for the continued advancement of this collaborative effort.
