YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A Youngstown healthcare business is bringing innovative pain management solutions to people in the area.

Meridian HealthCare and AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio are teaming up to give chronic pain management solutions to Medicaid enrollees in the Valley.

According to the release, the pilot program will begin this summer at Meridian Healthcare sites in Youngstown and Warren, and will focus on behavioral health and medication-free treatment for chronic, non-cancer pain in primary care settings.

People who have been diagnosed with a number of ailments are eligible, including back pain, neck and shoulder pain, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, spinal stenosis and others.

"This new relationship aims to improve the quality of life for those with chronic pain, which can be debilitating," said Lawrence Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian HealthCare. "We're eager to collaborate with AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio on this exciting, much-needed initiative designed to help people receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs so they can live their best life."

The program will consist of two formats: pain self-management education (PSME) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The formats are available virtually or in-person.

The PSME format will be held in four 90-minute group sessions or four 45-minute individual sessions. The ACT format consists of eight 90-minute group sessions or eight to twelve 60-minute individual sessions.