The CFIDS Association of America's Privacy Policy

Youth Privacy Policy

We Respect Your Privacy

The CFIDS Association of America respects your concern about privacy. This notice explains the Association’s online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. This notice is available on our homepage and every page throughout the site for your convenience. 

Information We Collect & How We Use It
The CFIDS Association of America gathers two types of information:

1. Personal, or “individually identifiable,” information you voluntarily provide to us; and
2. Standard web server/traffic information commonly referred to as “aggregate information,” regarding overall Web traffic patterns.

Individually Identifiable Information
The CFIDS Association of America is the sole owner of and the only organization that uses the information collected on this site. We do not sell, share, or rent this information to others under any circumstances.

Information on individual site visitors is requested for purposes such as material ordering and donation processing, future direct mailings and information requests. The information we request include: name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, and e-mail address.

In the case of contributions or material orders we will also request credit card information (card number, card type, expiration date) and will process your order via a secure server.

In the case of memorial or honor contributions, we will also request the name and complete mailing address of your designated recipient for the purposes of acknowledgement only.

Opt-Out
Our online ordering form has an “opt-out” mechanism for users who wish to donate, request information or place orders, but do not wish to receive addition information or material from the CFIDS Association of America. At any time you can also make an opt-out request, amend or correct your personal information maintained by the Association by contacting our Resource Line at 704/365-2343.

Changing your information
If at any time you wish to make changes to the personal information previously provided, we will take steps to verify your identity before making any corrections. You will be asked specific reference questions including full name, address, phone numbers and email address, if applicable.

Aggregate Information
In addition to information provided by our visitors, we track site visits using normal Internet tracking tools to help manage our system and better serve our audience. This information is used for reporting purposes only and includes information such as: total number of visits, most visited sections, peak traffic times, browser versions, search terms used, and average duration of visit.

Note: We do not track, share, or otherwise make available information about the health status of site visitors participating in the “Do I Have CFS” questionnaire available on this site.

Links
This site contains links to other, third-party sites. The CFIDS Association is not responsible for privacy practices or the content on these linked Web sites.

Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access and maintain data security, the Association has put in all reasonable physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard information collected online. Techniques employed include but are not limited to: user authentication, encryption, firewall technology and the use of detection software. The Association assumes responsibility for identifying information that must be protected and providing adequate levels of protection for all data collected.

Our Commitment to Youth Privacy
We recognize the particular importance of protecting privacy where children are involved. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information, including names or addressess and/or credit card information on www.cfids.org from those under the age of 13.

A special section of the Association web site, www.cfids.org/youth.asp, has been created to provide information to young people with CFS addressing their unique needs, questions, and concerns. We do not collect, use or disclose personally identifiable information from children; or give children the ability to publicly post, directly communicate with others or otherwise distribute personally identifiable information.

Notice to Parents: If you have any questions regarding the security of our youth site contact us by mail at PO Box 220398 Charlotte, NC 28222-0398, by phone at 704-365-2343 or by email at cfids@cfids.org.

Notification of Changes
In the event the CFIDS Association makes any changes to its privacy policy, we will post those changes in the What’s New section of our homepage and will use information in accordance with the privacy policy under which the information was collected.

How to Contact Us
Should you have any questions about our privacy policies, please send an e-mail to cfids@cfids.org with Privacy Policy in the subject line, or you can reach us by mail at PO Box 220398 Charlotte, NC 28222-0398 or by phone at 704-365-2343.

General Disclaimer
The CFIDS Association of America, Inc. serves as a clearinghouse for information about chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS, also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, CFIDS. Ideas expressed within the Association’s web site, www.cfids.org, print publications or materials, or monthly e-newsletters are strictly those of the authors or quoted individuals. The Association assumes no liability for any medical treatment or other activity undertaken by individuals and encourages you to seek advice from a licensed health care professional before beginning any new medication, supplement, treatment, therapy, or exercise regime. The Association does not recommend, endorse, make any warranties or representations with regard to any of the materials, products or services provided by companies or organizations referred to in this web site, print publications or materials, or e-newsletters.

Permissions is granted to copy or quote from this site, www.cfids.org, for non-commercial purposes only, provided the intended meaning is preserved and proper credit is given to the CFIDS Association of America (and author if applicable), including it’s mailing address (PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398), web site url (www.cfids.org) and the Resource Line (704/365-2343).

Gifts to the Association are gratefully acknowledged and tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. A copy of our latest audited Financial Reports may be obtained by writing to the CFIDS Association of America, PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398 or by clicking here.

If you are a resident of the following states, you may obtain information directly by contacting:

In Florida, “A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free, within the state 1-800-435-7352. Florida registration #CH8928.” In Kansas; registration #282-640-2. In Maryland; “Documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the secretary of state for the cost of postage and copies.” In Michigan; registration #MICS11966. In Mississippi; “The official registration and financial information of the organization may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167.” In New Jersey; “Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the state of New Jersey by calling 201-504-6215 and is available on the Internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/.” In New York; “A copy of the latest annual report may be obtained from the organization or from the Charities Bureau, Department of Law 120 Broadway, New York NY 10271.” In North Carolina; “Financial Information about this organization and a copy of its license are available form the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989.” In Pennsylvania; “The official registration and financial information of the CFIDS Association of America may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999.” In Virginia; “Financial statements are available from the State Division of Consumer Affairs.” In Washington; “Secretary of State 800-332-4483.” In West Virginia; “West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305.” Registration in any state does not imply endorsement. For more information on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or to view a copy of our IRS 990 form, visit our website, www.cfids.org.

Last updated on August 3, 2009