ME/CFS Awareness: What You Can Do

Each year, May 12th is designated as International CFS Awareness Day and that date is quickly approaching.  Last year I wrote a post with a list of things that can be done to help raise awareness.  I wanted to republish that post since there were several good ideas we all can use. 

There are many other things that you or a CFS support group can do to help raise awareness, thanks to the CFIDS Association.  Their Grassroots Center has some ideas that I would like to share with you:

• Support groups can designate one person for the Grassroots Action Center Listserv (GAC) program to receive the latest advocacy information on CFS and share it with other group members.
• Either have your support group or several other people you know with CFS send an advocacy letter to your state’s two senators and Congress representative.
• Don’t forget to include the CFIDS Fact Sheet.
• Contact your local radio stations, newspapers, television stations, and magazines about CFS.
• Try to educate at least three people about CFS and the impact it has on daily living.
• Create a simple public service announcement (PSA) and send it to local publications and radio stations. You may be able to find a local graphic designer willing to creatively format your text at no charge.  The CFIDS Association can provide you with sample PSAs.
• Distribute fact sheets or brochures on CFS to local libraries, pharmacies, grocery stores, churches, health food stores, and medical facilities.
• Give presentations on CFS to local women’s groups, church groups, civic groups and schools.
• Ask health care providers to display information about CFIDS. Don’t forget other health care professionals such as your dentist, optometrist and massage therapist.
• Send your personal story to newspapers, radio stations – anyone who will be willing to interview you on your illness.

Please also check out the ME/CFS Awareness website – lots of great information on Awareness Day & Awareness Week events!