Washington (May 15, 2018) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) was joined by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angus S. King Jr. (I-Maine), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing May 12 as International Awareness Day for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS is a chronic, debilitating condition without a known cause, diagnostic, treatment, or cure. It may affect up to 2.5 million Americans and is estimated to be four times more prevalent in women than in men. ME/CFS costs the economy up to $24 billion a year, due to medical expenses and loss of productivity.

“ME/CFS has been in the shadows for too long,” said Senator Markey. “Our resolution is just one step to help shine light on this condition and what we can collectively do to help improve the quality of life of those impacted. I am inspired by the commitment from individuals living with ME/CFS and their loved ones to change the trajectory of this disease, and am honored to help raise awareness of their efforts with Senators Van Hollen, King, and Collins with this resolution.”  

Over the last several years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reorganized the Trans-NIH ME/CFS Working Group. Last year, the NIH awarded more than $7 million in grants to help establish Collaborative Research Centers and a Data Management Coordinating Center to enhance and coordinate research initiatives for ME/CFS throughout the NIH.

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