Recent actions by leaders of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health have contributed to extensive media coverage of CFS -- its severity, its disabling impact and the need for greater recognition by the public, medical professionals and researchers. Please thank them for these actions, and as part of Public Health Thank You week*, Nov. 20-24.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the CFIDS Association of America, hosted a Nov. 3 press conference at the National Press Club. The event generated expansive media coverage about CFS, including today's recognition from the American Medical Association, and formally launched the first national public awareness campaign that will continue through 2007.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced 7 new grants for CFS research. "The proposed studies will help researchers understand how the diverse symptoms in CFS are related to the interactions between the immune and neurological systems—an important step towards developing effective treatments for a disabling condition."

We've made it easy to say THANK YOU -- just use our pre-written templates. You can fill in a little information about why CFS is important to you, or simply send them as written. We know that these messages are having an impact. Before the Nov. 3 press conference began, Dr. Gerberding said to me, "I'm getting lots of emails from CFS patients. They are incredibly moving. We need to get these stories out." Add your voice those she's already heard.

Say "thank you" to CDC director Dr. Julie Gerberding: click "GO" at the top of the alert at http://capwiz.com/cfids/issues/alert/?alertid=8548931&type=CU

Say "thank you" to NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouni and Office of Research on Women's Health Dr. Vivian Pinn: click "GO" at the top of the alert at
http://capwiz.com/cfids/issues/alert/?alertid=9140211&type=CU

Say "thank you" to Secretary for Health Michael Leavitt for renewing the charter of the CFS Advisory Committee: click "GO" at the top of the alert at
http://capwiz.com/cfids/issues/alert/?alertid=9002771&type=ML

Thank you for participating in CFIDS advocacy and for thanking these public health leaders at this pivotal time and in connection with Public Health Thank You Week. 

With appreciation,

Kim McCleary
President & CEO
The CFIDS Association of America