Capitol Hill AdvocacyMassachusetts ME advocates once again showed up in force for Capitol Hill advocacy events in May. Organized by SolveME/CFS, Advocacy Month has been virtual for the last three years. While missing some of the immediacy of the former in-person meetings, the virtual format allows significantly more people to take an active part in Congressional advocacy from their homes, and many participated in lively discussions with fellow advocates before and after scheduled meetings with Congressional staffers. Twenty-five Massachusetts advocates registered, and met with staffers from the offices of all nine Representatives and both Senators. Advocates presented the facts about ME and Long Covid, and told their personal stories with these illnesses. The 'ask' this year was for elected representatives to co-sponsor a suite of bills that would enhance research and clinical care for Long COVID: the COVID 19 Longhauler Act (H.R. 2754), the CARE for Long COVID Act (S. 3726), and the TREAT for Long COVID Act (H.R. 7482 and S. 4015). Massachusetts is providing significant leadership in these bills. The TREAT for Long COVID Act was introduced by Ayanna Pressley in the House, and would direct grant funding for Long COVID clinical centers providing equitable care. Senator Markey is one of three Senators who introduced the CARE for Long COVID Act, which includes provisions for educational resources for patients, medical providers, and the general public.
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