July 17, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Pediatric Long Covid Awareness Week 2025 Highlights Impact on Nearly 6 Million U.S. Children
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Long Covid Families, a national nonprofit based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is launching Pediatric Long Covid Awareness Week 2025 on Monday, July 21, to bring national attention to the nearly six million children in the United States living with Long Covid.
Estimates suggest that up to one in five children who contract COVID-19 develop Long Covid, a condition with a broad range of symptoms that vary by age and are often overlooked or misunderstood. With nearly six million children potentially affected, Long Covid is now the most common chronic illness among children in the United States.
“This week is about raising awareness of what children and families are facing,” said Megan Carmilani, President of Long Covid Families. “Too many children are living with ongoing symptoms without recognition, support, or appropriate care. Pediatric Long Covid Awareness Week is a chance to educate communities, empower families, and call on leaders to act.”
Throughout the week, Long Covid Families will share resources, personal stories, and key information to help pediatric clinicians, schools, and caregivers recognize and support affected children. The organization will also lead a Capitol Hill advocacy day on July 24, meeting with members of Congress to advance research, improve provider training, and promote community-based multidisciplinary pediatric care.
In addition, Long Covid Families will host two educational webinars open to the public. These events will address critical topics including symptom recognition, mental health, research, and advocacy.
Registration remains open. Complete the form to register.
Children with Long Covid may experience:
Families often face significant obstacles navigating fragmented care and securing appropriate diagnoses and support, with many reporting difficulty finding providers knowledgeable about pediatric Long Covid.
Long Covid Families is calling for:
About Long Covid Families:
Long Covid Families is a national nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to supporting families affected by Long Covid through advocacy, education, and community building. The organization works to raise awareness, promote research, and improve access to appropriate care for children and families navigating this disabling condition.
About Megan Carmilani:
Megan Carmilani is president of Long Covid Families. She brings more than 20 years of patient advocacy experience, a background as a former public school teacher, and personal experience as a child with chronic illness to her role
