IL HR0021

Recognizes Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), as a serious chronic disease that significantly limits patients' activities and quality of life, affecting an estimated 39,000 to 99,000 Illinois residents and 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans.

Notes that approximately 25% of ME patients are homebound or bedbound, 50-75% are unable to work, and the disease costs $17 million to $24 million annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Recommends the National Institutes of Health increase ME research funding to levels commensurate with similarly burdensome diseases and encourages Illinois universities to focus research attention on this underserved disease.

Recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disseminate updated medical education materials on ME based on National Academy of Medicine recommendations and best practices from disease experts.

Encourages media organizations to inform the public about the severity of ME/CFS and affirms Illinois's commitment to improving medical and supportive care availability for affected patients.