The world has changed since September 11, and the media are reflecting those changes. Attention has shifted to terrorism and related health concerns, and patient advocacy organizations have to battle harder to get “air time” for the illnesses they represent.

The CFIDS Association is working to ensure that CFIDS does not get lost in the shuffle, and still gains the media coverage it warrants. Some of the ways we are adapting include:

• Generating more information the media can use — for instance, a survey of physician attitudes toward CFIDS;
• Launching a campaign to the medical press to educate physicians and researchers as well as the general public;
• Building a grassroots network for media/advocacy that will help spread our messages to local communities across the nation.

Following these strategies has resulted in significant advances. There has been increased coverage of the illness in mainstream media outlets such as USA Today, CNN.com, “Good Morning America” and Redbook magazine. The first in a series of proactive releases about CFIDS sent to newspapers and radio stations across the nation has reached an audience of more than 24 million people.

Another important element for future success in raising awareness about CFIDS is individual PWCs. We are empowering patients by making the Association’s media materials for major campaigns (for instance, the medical professionals survey) available for use in local efforts. Just visit the media professionals section of http://www.cfids.org to see what we’re now offering.

Media and public relations in today’s climate of uncertainty continue to be challenging, but with the help of support groups, the patient community and dedicated medical professionals, we will spread the word that CFIDS is a very real, serious illness that needs more public attention.

Our voices will be heard.

Renée Brehio
Director of Communication