M.E. AWARENESS DAY

Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0796

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HR0796 - 104th General Assembly

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HR0796
LRB104 21382 ECR 36332 r
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

2

WHEREAS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as
3
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS),
4
is a serious, complex, and chronic disease that affects
5
multiple body systems, including the neurological, immune, and
6
metabolic systems; and

7

WHEREAS, ME affects up to nine million Americans,
8
including over 100,000 Illinoisans, and is characterized by
9
symptoms such as post-exertional malaise, debilitating
10
fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and immune and autonomic
11
nervous system dysregulation that substantially limit an
12
individual's ability to carry out ordinary daily activities;
13
and

14

WHEREAS, Approximately 25% of individuals affected by ME
15
are housebound or bed-bound, and an estimated 75% are unable
16
to sustain employment or education due to the severity of
17
their illness; almost all people with ME experience profound
18
limitations in performing usual daily activities; and

19

WHEREAS, Individuals living with ME often experience a
20
significant decline in quality of life and may face challenges
21
accessing timely diagnosis, appropriate medical care,
22
workplace accommodations, and social support; and

HR0796
- 2 -
LRB104 21382 ECR 36332 r
1

WHEREAS, ME remains widely under-recognized and
2
misunderstood with up to 91% of people with ME remaining
3
undiagnosed, and even those with the diagnosis often face
4
limited treatment options and inadequate systemic supports,
5
thereby jeopardizing the safety, well-being, and economic
6
security of affected individuals and their families; and

7

WHEREAS, Due to limited public awareness and lingering
8
misconceptions about the nature and severity of ME, many
9
patients experience stigma, misunderstanding, and delays in
10
care; and

11

WHEREAS, The prevalence of ME has increased significantly
12
in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with up to half of
13
individuals affected by Long COVID meeting diagnostic criteria
14
for ME; and

15

WHEREAS, ME affects an estimated 17 to 24 million people
16
worldwide, making it one of the most widespread yet least
17
understood chronic illnesses, underscoring the urgent need for
18
expanded research, medical education, and public awareness;
19
and

20

WHEREAS, Raising awareness of ME within Illinois promotes
21
understanding, research investment, and better health outcomes

HR0796
- 3 -
LRB104 21382 ECR 36332 r
1
for the thousands of people affected; and

2

WHEREAS, Increased awareness and education about ME among
3
the public, health care providers, educators, employers, and
4
policymakers are essential to improving outcomes for those
5
affected and supporting ongoing research efforts; and

6

WHEREAS, May 12 is internationally recognized as ME
7
Awareness Day, honoring the strength and resilience of the ME
8
community and highlighting the need for increased
9
understanding, research investment, and comprehensive systems
10
of care and support; therefore, be it

11

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
12
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
13
we declare May 12, 2026 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness
14
Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

15

RESOLVED, That we encourage increased public education and
16
awareness efforts regarding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME),
17
support for individuals and families affected by the disease,
18
and continued attention to research and health care
19
initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and
20
quality of life for those living with ME.

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