Advocacy Updates

Advocacy Alert: 4/15/2009

2 PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BE HELD

Public input sought on CDC's 5-year plan for CFS research
When: April 27, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Where: U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA
Deadline for action: April 22, 2009
Respond to: CFSResearchPlan@cdc.gov

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and can register to listen by phone, give public testimony or can submit comments in writing (by May 1). The CFIDS Association of America will be represented by president & CEO Kim McCleary. Advocates who care about or are concerned about any aspect of the nation's public health agency response to CFS are urged to participate in person or through written comments.

Links to important information about the CDC's research program:

• CDC web site: http://cdc.gov/cfs/cfsresearch.htm
• Report on CDC research and Association testimony about it: http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2008/110704.asp (October CFSAC meeting)
• CDC's meeting notice: http://cdc.gov/cfs/meetings/2009_04.htm
• CFIDS Association Advocacy Alert & Response Form: http://capwiz.com/cfids/issues/alert/?alertid=13148746&type=CU

Federal CFS Advisory Committee (CFSAC) 2-Day Meeting
When: May 27-28, 2009
Where: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Washington, D.C.
Deadline for Action: May 22, 2009
Respond to: (202) 690-7650

The CFSAC brings together representatives of five federal agencies with CFS programs and 11 appointed members of the public. Members of the public are welcome to attend and hear the committee dialogue. Public testimony is heard from those who have registered to deliver comments of up to 5 minutes. The meeting notice does not state whether testimony can be submitted on videotape or given by phone, but both have been permitted in the past.

Links to important information about the CFSAC: