Communication and Events
International Awareness Day
May 12, 2023
CareNow Ontario (formerly MEAO) is hosting an International Awareness Day media conference at Queen’s Park on May 10th. Press release to be posted on May 10th.
We are also hosting a zoom meeting for members and friends on May 12th. See Newsflash below with invitation and links. NewsFlash May 2023
Long COVID Looks Like a Neurological Disease: new article
March 1, 2023
Scientific American published a helpful article. It adds new knowledge, makes the fundamental connection between Long COVID and ME, and is authoritative. There are also many interesting applications to MCS.
Long Covid now looks like a Neurological Disease, Scientific American, March 1 2023
May 12th International Awareness Day
May 12, 2023
May 12th International Awareness Day Events
Update on Action Plan Media Advocacy
Newsflash May 2023Want to keep informed on the work of CareNow Ontario?
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May 12th: ME International Awareness Day
May 12th International Awareness Day began almost 30 years ago to raise awareness primarily for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The date of May 12th honours the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing who was virtually bedridden for almost fifty years with an illness resembling ME or Fibromyalgia (FM).
Through the years, May 12th has become known as May 12th International Awareness Day not only for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) but also for Fibromyalgia (FM) and Environmental Sensitivities/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (ES/MCS). Throughout the world, numerous support and advocacy organizations that represent and support one or more of ME/CFS, FM and ES/MCS hold public awareness events in communities around the world.
The City of Toronto and many municipalities across Canada proclaim May 12th as International Awareness Day for one or more of ME/CFS, FM and ES/MCS. The same is done in many municipalities overseas.
CareNow Ontario (formerly MEAO) History with May 12th International Awareness Day:
MEAO (now CareNow Ontario) began May 12th days in 1994 advocating for awareness for ME/CFS, FM and ES/MCS.
Since approximately 2010, CareNow Ontario (formerly MEAO) began having May 12th International Awareness day events at Queen’s Park Legislature, Toronto, Ontario to bring awareness and to advocate to the Government of Ontario and Ontario MPPs for a system of medical care and social supports for those living with ME/CFS, FM and ES/MCS.
Because of the advocacy of CareNow Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Health mandated the Task Force on Environmental Health which began in the year 2016 to the end of 2018. The task force produced an interim report and a final report containing many recommendations for a system of care and social supports. An Action plan was submitted to the Minister of Health in 2021 with no further action to date.
CareNow Ontario is hosting a media event on May 10th and a virtual meeting with friends and members on May 12th, 2023.