Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York
Summary
This resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Awareness Month in New York State. It frames the observance as part of the Legislature’s tradition of recognizing awareness months for serious illnesses and ties the proclamation to International ME/CFS Awareness Day on May 12, including the request that people wear blue to show support for patients, families, caregivers, and researchers.
The resolution describes ME/CFS as a serious, long-term, multi-system illness marked by extreme fatigue, post-exertional malaise, sleep problems, cognitive difficulties, pain, and dizziness. It cites estimates that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers may be affected, notes that many patients are unable to work or attend school, and argues that the disease imposes significant personal and economic costs. The text emphasizes that limited research, funding, and awareness have contributed to delayed diagnosis, skepticism from medical professionals, and inadequate access to care.
Impact
As a resolution, this measure does not change the substantive law or create new rights, duties, or programs. Its legal effect is limited to formally urging the Governor to issue a proclamation designating May 2025 as ME/CFS Awareness Month and transmitting the resolution to the Governor. Its practical impact is symbolic and educational, aimed at increasing public awareness, encouraging recognition of the disease, and potentially supporting future advocacy for research funding and improved medical understanding.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly supportive and commemorative. The text presents ME/CFS as an underrecognized and disabling condition and expresses sympathy for patients and their families, caregivers, and researchers. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, but the resolution’s tone is unequivocally favorable toward awareness efforts and increased attention to the disease.
Contention
No direct opposition or recorded controversy appears in the provided bill materials. The main issue raised by the resolution itself is the lack of awareness, research, and funding for ME/CFS, along with the resulting difficulty patients face in obtaining diagnosis and care. Any potential point of contention would likely concern whether symbolic awareness proclamations are sufficient without accompanying policy or funding action, but no specific dissenting view is included in the record provided.
Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York