When Care is Threatened, Community is Our Strength

I don’t need to tell you that these are extraordinarily difficult times. Across the country, we’re witnessing devastating cuts, acts of injustice, and widespread attacks on human rights. It’s overwhelming, it’s frightening. In moments like this, our purpose becomes even more clear. We are here to protect and uplift our community, especially those most vulnerable.

“...Honestly, I’m scared. I’m worried about my own access to care, but I’m terrified about my community’s access to the care and support necessary to keep us alive.” 

— Bridget Collins

#MEAction Maryland

Right now, unprecedented reductions in healthcare funding threaten millions of Americans, including people with ME and Long Covid. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with ME and Long COVID through activism and advocacy. But we cannot ignore that within our own community, some are being targeted more directly—LGBTQ individuals, undocumented people, and others whose very existence is being politicized.

“What will happen for those of us who are black and brown, housing insecure, food insecure, immigrant and asylum seekers? Having to choose between food and safety or finding medical care means people will die.”

— Jess Kaushansky

@JessNeedstoRest

Our campaigns will continue to focus on access to healthcare, equitable research funding and improved medical education because that’s where our expertise lies. At the same time, we stand shoulder to shoulder with organizations and individuals fighting for broader human rights, knowing that our communities are deeply intertwined. Together, we are stronger.

Right now, one critical action you can take is to join our Freakin’ Frail campaign. (First step is to sign our letter to HHS Secretary. ) Proposed work requirements for Medicaid will take away critical access to health care for people with ME and Long Covid unless they receive a "medically frail" exemption, which is a legal, government term for individuals with a serious or complex medical condition. 

I know that for many of us, this fight feels almost impossible amid so much chaos and fear—seeing neighbors harmed, identities targeted, and families torn apart. But none of these struggles exist in isolation. Every fight for dignity, safety, and access is connected.

“HIV activist Vito Russo once said, 'Someday, the AIDS crisis will be over. Remember that.' These words remind me to hold on, even as I cry almost every day—to believe that this will be over too. That ICE will leave Minnesota, treatments will be approved, healthcare will be accessible, and we will be believed and able to live in peace and safety.”

— Terri L. Wilder, MSW

Chair, #MEAction Minnesota

We can do this—together, with resolve and compassion. Let’s keep showing up for one another, protecting our right to care, and ensuring that no one in our community is left behind. We are each other’s lanterns in this darkness.

Join Us Today

In solidarity,

Laurie Jones

Executive Director

#MEAction

PS: We are here for you. You can join our Living With ME group, our upcoming events, find resources for support, and join our state chapters. #MEAction has and always will be a place to support our community- all of us.