IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE - Part IV

As part of the IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE grass roots initiative it is important to share with you the following CDC response that was posted (modified on Sept 1, 2009) on the CFS CDC program web site:

Input on CDC CFS Strategic Research Plan
"Between April 15 and July 30, 2009, CDC received just over 1,000 e-mails in response to a request for input to its 5-year CFS strategic plan. Most of the e-mails utilized material from the CFIDS Association of America’s Web site or supported CFIDS recommendations, reflecting the effectiveness of CFIDS advocacy efforts. We greatly appreciate this overwhelming response, since it provided an opportunity for members of the CFS community to share their concerns.

Some emails from the general public provided comments specific to the strategic research plan and we also received comments on the strategic plan from two scientific societies (the International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and the American Academy of Environmental Medicine), scientific investigators, health care providers, and patient advocacy groups (CFIDS Association of America, Pandora, Connecticut CFIDS & FM Association, National Women´s Health Network, Rocky Mountain CFIDS/FMS Association, Phoenix Rising, Wisconsin ME/CFS Association, Share Care & Prayer, CFSActs, National CFIDS Foundation, Invest in ME - UK).

CDC´s CFS research program is currently categorizing comments concerning the strategic plan into specific subject areas."

To see the full CFS Public Health Research Program Draft 5-year Strategic Plan, click here.


Pro-Health Library also posted on September 8, 2009 a short article stating that"CDC to Present 5-Year Research Plan Oct 29-30 at CFS Advisory Committee Meeting", In the article they also referred to Dr. Leonard Jason's position on the empirical CDC CFS definition.

I have not seen an announcement from the CDC regarding what their next move will be. I suppose it takes time to compile the response of the stakeholder's meeting. I am sympathetic to that. Individuals familiar with our advocacy community have been told that positive changes will be made at the CDC, but no lay out of a more specific plan regarding the leadership and or the management team of the CFS CDC program has been announced.

It is known and customary that at every CFSAC meetings there is always a report presentation from the CDC ex-officio member. I suggest that what our community needs to do is to pack the room at the DHHS on October 28-29. Patient advocacy organizations need to send at least one representative to attend the Oct 28-29 meeting. Patient, family members and physicians treating CFS patients and other neuroendocrineimmune disorders (NEIDs) need to send in their testimonies by emailing them to cfsac@hhs.gov.

This is a most auspicious opportunity and we cannot let that go unnoticed. I am hoping that the Empty Chair Project will not have to be displayed once again at the next CFSAC meeting to highlight once again how empty that room is without patient advocates.

IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE... to be continued