About us

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Introduction

The ME|FM Society of BC was formed in 2004 following the amalgamation of the Fibromyalgia Society of BC and the ME Society of BC.

We are a not-for-profit organization that was formed by people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and/or, Fibromyalgia (FM) hoping to help other ME and FM sufferers, and carers and families. While we are run predominantly through the work of volunteers, we also employ a part-time Strategic Initiatives Manager, two contracted Counselors and a part-time Phone Line Coordinator. Project contractors may be engaged from time to time.

Our Society has helped thousands of people in British Columbia and elsewhere, understand their illnesses and seek and obtain appropriate medical help and treatments to improve their health and quality of life.

Purpose

Our purpose is to educate, raise awareness, advocate for and provide support to the ME and FM community in BC.

The need is great in our ME and FM communities.

There is a severe shortage of knowledgeable doctors and

health care professionals. This in turn leads to patients

waiting years to receive a proper diagnosis. The lack of a

diagnosis makes it difficult to receive disability benefits.

There is very little access to care, treatment and

management tools. And the lack of education and

awareness of these illnesses has resulted in patients

being confronted by stigma at all levels of the health

care system, and even within their personal communities.

Goals

The Society's primary goals are to:

Educate, inform and increase awareness of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM) by offering information, support and advocacy to members, individuals and their families.
Provide information and education to physicians, other medical professionals and the community at large, to increase public awareness of Fibromyalgia (FM) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
Champion issues impacting the lives of people with ME and FM through community partnerships and advocacy with local, provincial and federal stakeholders and decision-makers.
Build an inclusive organisation which will reasonably accommodate and allow the participation of ME and FM patients, as well as their carers and families, to the extent they are willing and able.
Promote and fundraise for ongoing medical research to encourage early, accurate diagnosis and effective treatments for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM).
Liaise with other individuals, groups and organizations dealing with similar illnesses.