Programs

We provide information, connection, and support to those with myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia and, more recently, Long COVID. Direct support to patients and their families is what differentiates us from other organizations that do ME/CFS work. The differentiation is so strong, that despite our core mission to provide services in Massachusetts, more than 40% of our donors and clients live outside of Massachusetts.

Direct Service Programs

It is hard to overstate how utterly isolated and frightened people with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and other infection-associated chronic conditions are in the early stages of, or before a diagnosis.  Our direct support  services seek to help individuals navigate the healthcare and social service resources available to them and to provide access to a community of people who ‘get it.’  These services include:

• Peer to Peer Counseling which connects these individuals to volunteers who have been in a similar situation.
• Health Care Provider Referral which identifies appropriate health care professionals suited to address specific needs.
• SSI Disability Application Assistance which provides assistance to individuals who are contemplating or engaged in applying for social security disability support.
• Support Groups  which offers opportunities to share experiences under the guidance of a trained support group facilitator.

Details about each service, along with applications to request services, is provided in the Services section of this website.

Education and Advocacy Programs

• Information Resources  
  • Because we are the oldest ME/CFS organization in the country, our website houses the most robust archive of current and historical information about these neglected illnesses anywhere in the world.  Search for anything on our website!
  • Our monthly newsletter is delivered worldwide to over 3500 recipients.  It provides information on Association events, clinical and research advances, clinical trials, and volunteer and advocacy opportunities. We also disseminate information through our YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) channels.
• Educational Programming  
  • We hold a monthly speaker series, Sunday Conversations, which connects experts on a specific aspect of the illnesses with patients, caregivers, and other interested parties who participate in small-group discussions.
  • We hold educational events throughout the year at hospitals, universities, and state social service offices.
  • Our annual meeting, which is held each October, features luminaries who present the latest information in clinical practice, research, disability support, and literature. All our meetings are recorded and available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
• Social Service and Legislative Advocacy. We have a leadership role in legislative and social service advocacy in Massachusetts and a supportive role in national advocacy efforts led by others. We meet at least once a year with each of our nine Massachusetts Congressional Representatives and our two US Senators to advocate for increased research funding, clinical trials, and medical education.