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Montgomery County proclaims May 12 Myalgic Encephalomyelitis awareness day
Summary
The Montgomery County Council read and approved a proclamation recognizing May 12, 2025, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) awareness day and heard remarks from advocates about diagnosis, care, and research needs.
The Montgomery County Council on May 13 read a proclamation recognizing May 12, 2025, as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) awareness day and invited local advocates to speak about gaps in research, diagnosis, and services.
The proclamation, read by the Council president and Dr. Davis, said ME — also known as chronic fatigue syndrome — is a “chronic complex autoimmune system disease that drastically limits the lives and activities of those who contract it.” It noted that before COVID-19, ME afflicted at least 46,000 Marylanders and that the illness’ prevalence grew after the pandemic; the proclamation cited estimates that between 635,000 Maryland residents may now be affected. It also said 50% to 75% of adults with ME are unable to work and estimated an annual loss in productivity in Maryland of between $319 million and $450 million.
Dr. Davis described ME as “a complex debilitating condition that affects an estimated 1 to 2.5 million Americans,” and emphasized symptoms including “profound exhaustion,” “cognitive impairment often referred to as brain fog,” and “post-exertional malaise,” which she defined as “a worsening of symptoms even after minor physical or mental activity.”
Bridget Collins, chair of ME Action Maryland, told the council she has lived with ME for decades and urged the county to support residents affected by the condition. “We named the event Millions Missing because millions of us are missing,” Collins said, describing people who are homebound and unable to participate in work or school.
The proclamation called for increased government and private research funding and for improved clinical training so frontline medical practitioners can make faster, more accurate diagnoses and connect people to disability resources. The council and County Executive Mark Elrich were named in the proclamation as proclaiming the day in Montgomery County.
No formal vote beyond reading and approving the proclamation was recorded; the item was presented as a ceremonial recognition. The presentation was followed by a photo opportunity with the advocate who addressed the council.
