Our vision, mission, values and goals
Introduction
Hundreds of thousands of people in BC live with poorly understood, often invisible illnesses — and too many face stigma, diagnostic delays of years, and serious barriers to respectful, effective care. The ME|FM Society of BC exists to change that, through community support, education, advocacy, awareness-building, and research, to ensure people affected by ME, FM, and Long COVID are believed, supported, and cared for equitably across BC.
Our Vision
A British Columbia where people with ME, FM, and Long COVID are believed and supported through equitable, coordinated, evidence-informed policies, care, and services across the province, improving health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Our Mission
To improve the health, wellbeing, and daily living of people affected by ME, FM, and Long COVID in British Columbia by developing awareness, providing support, advancing education and research, and driving system change.
“Together, our Mission and Vision preserve the Society’s roots in community support and engagement while reflecting a maturing role in system-level influence. They align directly with strategic priorities including improved and expanded physician education, continued advocacy, patient experience reporting, and medical research collaborations.”
- ME|FM Society of BC Board of Directors
Our Values
Overarching Commitment: Real-World Impact
We prioritize actions, positions and decisions that lead to tangible improvements in support, care, and quality of life for people affected by ME, FM, and Long COVID.
Community
Dignity Equity Quality of Life Outcomes Dignity — Being heard, believed, understood, and treated with respect is foundational to care, wellness, and quality of life. Equity — Access to policies, care, supports, and services must be equitable across demographics such as geography, income, ethnicity, and illness severity. Quality of Life Outcomes — Progress must ultimately be measured by improvements in treatment, health, daily functioning, and quality of life for those affected by ME, FM, and Long COVID.
Knowledge & Understanding
Awareness Evidence-Informed Education Awareness — An informed public, informed institutions, and informed providers are essential to reducing stigma; streamlining diagnostic journeys; promoting better, more understanding, support and accommodations; and ensuring appropriate, effective care. Evidence-Informed — Information, tools and guidance should reflect evolving research, clinical knowledge, and lived experience. Education — Current, comprehensive knowledge among patients, caregivers, providers, and institutions is essential to improved outcomes.
Governance & Action
Integrity Inclusion Collaboration Integrity — Evidence-based and principled decision-making are essential to value-aligned action and organizational credibility. Inclusion — Diverse lived experiences must inform the Society’s priorities and initiatives. Collaboration — Partnerships across clinical, research, institutional, and community stakeholders and organizations enable sustainable progress.
Our Goals
Awareness & Education
Educate, inform, and increase awareness of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia (FM), and Long COVID among the public, healthcare providers, and decision-makers.
Community & Inclusion
Build an inclusive organization that welcomes and accommodates people living with ME, FM, and Long COVID, as well as their caregivers and families, to the extent they are willing and able.
Healthcare Improvement
Work with healthcare providers and systems to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management of ME, FM, and Long COVID across BC.
Research
Collaborate on and promote patient-informed medical research to encourage early, accurate diagnosis and effective treatments for ME, FM, and Long COVID. We also document and amplify the lived experience of our community through patient experience stories, surveys and reports — giving voice to data that shapes research priorities and informs care.
Advocacy & Collaboration
Champion the issues affecting people with ME, FM, and Long COVID through partnerships and advocacy with local, provincial, and federal stakeholders and decision-makers.
