The information below was initially distributed on October 10, 2025. Today is a significant day. After months of work and 1,045 of you courageously sharing your experiences, we're releasing the BC ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Lyme & Long COVID Survey results. The numbers are both shocking and deeply validating.   You Are Not Alone. You Are Not Imagining This. 93% of you had negative healthcare experiences. Read that again. This isn't a few "difficult" patients. This isn't an isolate

The information below was initially distributed on August 14, 2025. Recent MSP billing compliance changes are set to disrupt care for thousands of patients with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID—many of whom were already struggling in a broken healthcare system. With no transition plan in place, approximately 5,000 people face immediate loss of the limited care they had. For a community where 98.5% already have no access to specialized care, this isn't just a service disru

The following information was distributed on June 19, 2025. We have some important advocacy news to share with you. The society recently had the opportunity to speak to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services regarding the 2026 provincial budget; on behalf of our community, we presented three key recommendations that could transform care for our community in British Columbia.   Building on Past Success Our advocacy efforts have achieved real results b

The following information was first distributed in June of 2025 All remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 can now apply for the CDCP, with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025. Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians - Canada.ca   To qualify: be a Canadian resident with household income under $90,000, no existing dental insurance The Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca , and have filed your 2024 tax return. The plan covers

The following information was originally shared on March 13, 2025. Five years into the COVID-19 pandemic, millions continue to grapple with Long COVID and ME/CFS—conditions plagued by misinformation that perpetuates stigma and inadequate care. In this double-feature installment of our Dispelling Myths series, we tackle two critical fronts: the biological roots of these illnesses and the dangers of outdated treatments. From viral triggers to harmful therapies, let’s separate f

ME|FM Society of BC Director, Sophie Harrison, advocates for those with Long COVID. Watch her March 2025 interview on CTV News as she discusses her experiences with this disease, its connection to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and the lack of adequate knowledge and care.

Professional Education & Clinical Practice Tools Policy Brief - Community Edition

Living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID can feel isolating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know that building a strong support network and accessing respite care are essential for managing these complex conditions. What Does a Support Network Look Like? Your support network is unique to you and might include: Family and friends who understand your condition Others living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID Healthcare providers familiar with

At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know first-hand how challenging it can be to get a diagnosis and receive appropriate care for ME, FM, and Long-COVID. Many people in British Columbia face long delays—often years—before being diagnosed, partly because these illnesses are complex and not always well understood by healthcare providers. This post is designed to help you prepare for medical appointments, communicate effectively with your doctor, and advocate for the care you deserve

Emergency care is meant to be a safety net—a place to turn when symptoms escalate or a crisis hits. But for individuals living with ME , FM, or Long-COVID , visits to the ER can often feel more like an uphill battle than a lifeline. This post explores the unique challenges our community faces in emergency settings, shares lived experiences from across British Columbia, and offers practical tools to help prepare for and navigate these often difficult situations. Ongoing Strugg

The ME|FM Society of BC expresses profound disappointment with the 2025 BC Budget’s continued neglect of over 87,000 British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), 136,000 with FM and 118,000+ for those living with ME post COVID.  Despite years of advocacy and explicit recommendations from the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, this budget ignores the urgent needs of a community facing systemic healthcare barriers, stigma, and a loom

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers financial relief for BC r esidents traveling for non-emergency medical services not available in their communities. Residents must have MSP enrollment and a referral to an MSP enrolled medical specialist for services outside their community. Key Points: TAP does not cover personal expenses like meals or accommodations. Your travel must not be covered by third party insurance. Before travelling, you will require: a completed TAP form

Good news! If you are a Person With Disabilities (PWD), with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, you will be able to apply to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) using the online tool starting on June 27, 2024. For information on services covered, see here . In order to qualify, you must not have access to dental insurance have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 be a Canadian resident for tax purposes have filed your tax return in the previous year

BC Women's Hospital Complex Chronic Diseases Program presents a position statement regarding Functional Capacity Evaluations for people living with ME/CFS. “Healthcare providers need to keep in mind that when patients with ME/CFS exceed their individual capacities, PEM and serious deterioration of function may result”. "Based on current guidance from major institutions..., FCEs are not recommended for assessment of functioning in individuals with a diagnosis of ME/CFS." Read

Guardian columnist George Monbiot says in his opinion piece that "the outdated treatment of ME/CFS patients is a national scandal". Read this compelling article here . Trigger Warning: this article may bring up issues if you have had negative medical experiences.

"I feel like this series is a life-line for people with ME or Long-COVID who are faced with healthcare and social support systems that provide so little access to knowledgeable help and meaningful support." Christina Wiebe Our new educational series, including 12+ helpful, informative modules, is now being sent directly, by email, to people across the province. Information is fact-based, up-to-date, and developed by experts, patients and caregivers. Includes friendly, easy

The group DoNoHarmBC is supporting a package of budget recommendations that include funding for services and care for people with ME and other chronic illnesses. More specifically, this local campaign supports the 2024 BC Report on the Budget Recommendation #80 (to improve services for ME patients) and Recommendation #76 (to fund clinics and care hubs for chronic illnesses), including a call for specific provisions for Long-COVID. If you have interest in supporting these

We have great news to share! This year marks the third consecutive year to have an ME specific recommendation placed in the Provincial Government’s Budget Consultation report! This is a community win! On August 3rd, 2023, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services released its Report on the Budget 2024 Consultation . This report is the result of an annual public consultation process which we know many of you participated in. A clear recommendation fo

For an audio version of this article, click on the red SoundCloud arrow. CityNews Vancouver ME/FM Society of BC My MLA and ME program Full article Recently, the ME/FM Society of BC was invited to participate in a local local news story from CityNews Vancouver highlighting the challenge to find care for ME in BC. This news article highlights the challenges that ME patients have in finding a knowledgeable doctor to support their care. The article also highlights the stigma e

For an audio version of this article, click on the red SoundCloud arrow. Introduction and diagnosis Symptom management and referral ME W ebinar for physicians Complex Chronic Diseases Program FAQ page In order to support you with your primary care provider, our website hosts information on Introduction and diagnosis and Symptom management and referral . This information is aimed at health care providers. Our Introduction and Diagnosis page contains links to The National