The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association unequivocally asserts our commitment to standing against racism in all its forms and standing with our black community members.  Systemic racism -- and specifically systemic and repeated violence against black Americans -- is an urgent crisis that requires an equally urgent response. We are sickened and heartbroken by the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. We want to be explicitly clear: Black lives matter.

People with ME/CFS and FM might feel frustrated that our disabilities may not allow us to join others in the streets, or join in additional ways we may wish, in this important fight for racial justice. Yet, from our homes and beds, we are committed to engaging and being as active as our bodies and our disabilities allow. Some options for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement include: donating to the families of victims and to protester bail funds, sharing articles and posts from black authors, especially those with disabilities, on social media,  supporting black-owned businesses, and contacting lawmakers to demand change. (See #MEAction's list for additional accessible actions.)

The Association's Board also stands with those eager to dismantle the systemic racism built into our healthcare institutions. In addition to the suffering that ME/CFS and FM bring, black people -- and indeed all people of color, as well those in the LGBTQ community and all of the disability community -- who live with these diseases face the additional burden of entrenched bias in our healthcare system. Healthcare free of prejudice is a human right.

The Association is committed to being a safe, inclusive space for support and advocacy, where every black person and person of color living with ME/CFS and FM is treated with respect, is valued for who they are, and is met with compassion.  We sincerely thank our members and volunteers for their continued commitment to building with us this loving, accepting and safe place for people with ME/CFS and FM.

If you have questions or comments, you can reach us at our Contact Us web page.

The Board of the Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association