Tag Archives: DHHS

How Did They Get Here?

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve been following the work of the CFS Advisory Committee closely, and after the latest group of new members were appointed I wondered who had nominated them. I’ve done some research, and the answer might surprise you. Just getting this … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Stick a Fork In It

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

After three years of controversy about the purported association between CFS and XMRV, and after two years of waiting for the definitive Lipkin study to be finished (full text of the paper is here), we have our answer. Stick a … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Testimony Tips

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

The CFS Advisory Committee meeting is less than a month away (October 3 and 4), and sign ups for public comment opened last night. At every CFSAC meeting, the public is given the opportunity to offer comments, but you have … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Another Day, Another Letter

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Last month, I joined six advocates in sending a letter to Assistant Secretary Howard Koh regarding the recent vacancy on the CFSAC and a proposed change to the committee charter. Yesterday, I received the response below. While there are no … Continue reading →

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Tale of Two Letters

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

Advocating for an adequate federal response to CFS usually feels like banging your head against a brick wall. Every once in awhile, you knock out a brick but it feels like so much more because you’ve been banging away for … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Free Turkeys

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Jennie Spotila

A keystone of successful efforts to combat complex diseases like CFS has been lacking for thirty years: strategic coordination. Other illnesses, including autism and Alzheimer’s, are now benefiting from coordinated federal strategic plans. In the last year, the Department of … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments