It’s official! The state of Alaska will officially recognize May 12 as ME Awareness Day.
Senate Bill 60, sponsored by Senator Löki Tobin (D-Anchorage), which officially became law without the Governor’s signature, “designates May 12 in Alaska as a day to raise awareness about the disease, the urgent need for research and improved medical care, and to support the many individuals and families impacted by ME/CFS.”
“With this law, we’re not just acknowledging a day, we’re honoring the resilience of Alaskans who live with ME and helping ensure their stories are seen and heard,” said Senator Tobin. “My sincere hope is that this recognition leads to meaningful improvements in education, diagnosis, and treatment in the years to come.”
Read the full press release from Senator Tobin’s office here.
Solve is proud to have supported the advocates who worked for the passage of this law, SB 60. One of those advocates, Hollis Mickey, noted:
“I am grateful to Solve for all the organization did to support SB 60, a bill which establishes May 12 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition as officially recognized by law in the state of Alaska. Solve’s support helped formulate the initial language for the bill.
I am so deeply grateful to the many people who wrote letters of support: Alaskans with myalgic encephalomyelitis and their loved ones, as well as many physicians and clinical providers.
Thank you to Senator Tobin, Representative Zack Fields, and their staff for sponsoring this bill and significant efforts around increasing understanding and awareness of ME. With recognition of this disease, the state of Alaska helps to create a foundation for increased medical education and research, and honors the lives of Alaskans enduring ME. I hope it will inspire other states to soon follow.”