On May 11th, 2022, Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia team members, joined ranks with other Fibromyalgia Organizations and independent advocates, and went to Capitol Hill (virtually) to advocate on behalf of those living with Fibromyalgia. This cross collaboration, led by the Support Fibromyalgia Network, was a coordinated legislative advocacy coalition, meeting with approximately 100+ Congressional and Senate Offices, to advocate for the needs of those living with Fibromyalgia. More Specifically:
Advocate for the appropriation of $50 million for purpose driven Fibromyalgia research
Advocate the appropriated $50 million in research funds, is ear-marked and given over sight, to ensure the funds are utilized to research the neurological components of Fibromyalgia for proper classification, and Medical Specialty Identification in the United States
Advocating for the above will bring about more actionable steps for drug development for Fibromyalgia and provide more up to date information to medical providers about Fibromyalgia
In 2019, Melissa Talwar the founder of the Support Fibromyalgia Network, identified the need for Fibromyalgia legislative advocacy, specifically more funding being allocated for Fibromyalgia Research at the National Institutes of Health. Since then, Melissa has led the charge, breaking the silos in the Fibromyalgia Community, creating an unprecedented grass roots Fibromyalgia advocacy coalition, of independent advocates and Fibromyalgia specific organizations.
Through cross collaboration advocacy, this year's Capitol Hill Day gained momentum never seen before. This momentum and proactive advocacy led to eliciting the support of 2 Congressional Leaders and 3 Senators, to submit Appropriation Fund Requests for Fibromyalgia funding for research. While we are still waiting on the outcome of these requests through the House and Senate Appropriation Committees, regardless of the outcome, it should be celebrated how far this movement has come in 3 short years.
This is an example of how coming together as a community emotes positive changes for Fibromyalgia. This year's Capitol Hill Fibromyalgia Advocacy Day is a shining example of what we can accomplish working together as a team... All of this is what #TeamFibro is all about, because together, WE can make a difference!
Thank you to Melissa Talwar, the Team Leads and all the Delegates who gave their time and energy on May 11th 2022, in order to bring about proactive change, and positively impact those living with Fibromyalgia! Go Team Fibro!
