Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) 

Yesterday, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) led the introduction of S.3726, the Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for Long COVID Act, alongside longtime ME/CFS champion, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

This legislation will improve research on and provide resources for people with Long Covid and “related post-viral illnesses,” such as ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Autoimmune diseases with viral triggers, Connective tissue diseases exacerbated or triggered by infections, and related conditions.

Read more about this story in the Washington Post.

The CARE for Long COVID Act will:

• Accelerate research by centralizing data regarding Long Covid and related post-viral illness patient experiences; 
• Increase understanding of treatment efficacy and disparities by expanding research to provide recommendations to improve the health care system’s responses to long Covid and related post-viral illnesses;
• Educate the public and medical providers by working with the CDC to develop and provide the public with information on common symptoms, treatment, and other related illnesses, specifically ME/CFS;
• Facilitate interagency coordination to educate employers and schools on the impact of long Covid and related post-viral illnesses
• Create guidance to improve access to services for people with Long COVID and post-viral illnesses, including employment programs, disability assistance, and education rights; and
• Develop partnerships between community-based organizations, social service providers, and legal assistance providers to help people with long Covid and related post-viral illnesses access needed services.

The patient’s voice was centered in the drafting of this legislation.

Long Covid Families and Solve M.E. applaud the efforts made by Senator Kaine’s office to listen and learn from those impacted by Long Covid the most—patients and caregivers.

Long Covid Families and Solve M.E. are proud to endorse S. 3726 in solidarity with the AAPM&R, Association for University Centers on Disabilities, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, the National Center for Health Research, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), and The Arc.

Special thanks to the people of Solve M.E. for continuing to help guide and support those new to the journey with Long Covid.

Thank you Long Covid Alliance, Long Hauler Advocacy Project, Patient Led, BodyPolitic, Dysautonomia International, & MEAction

READ THE FULL BILL >