What Is NJ ME/CFSA and Who Does It Serve?

Updated

NJ ME/CFSA (New Jersey ME/CFS Association) is a New Jersey-focused nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) in the state and, by extension, the wider community affected by similar chronic illnesses. It functions as an information, advocacy, and fundraising hub rather than a medical provider: the site publishes news and awareness material, runs a medical scholarship, solicits memberships and donations, and organizes research and survey work. It is relevant to you if you are an ME/CFS patient in New Jersey, a supporter or donor, a New Jersey healthcare student, or someone looking for state-level advocacy and patient-survey activity.

What the organization says it does

The site's "Working For You" post states that NJME/CFSA "continually works to improve the lives of ME/CFS patients in New Jersey" and that this also improves the lives of the larger community living with similar diseases in New Jersey and elsewhere. Two concrete activities illustrate that mission:

  • Research and survey work. In response to a solicitation from the Doris Duke Foundation, NJME/CFSA submitted a proposal (viewable as a 5-minute video in the Foundation's requested format). The organization says it plans to carry out the research project whether or not it is funded. The project centers on a survey, currently in paper or word-processor format; funding would help migrate it to REDCap, an online application that would make distribution and analysis easier. The stated goal is to inform the New Jersey Department of Health about how ME/CFS patients are managing in the state and to involve the Department in improving care for chronically ill patients. If you are an ME/CFS patient residing in New Jersey, the organization says it will ask you to complete the survey.
  • Awareness and advocacy. The site marks May as ME/CFS Awareness Month and links to the New Jersey Governor's declaration. It also notes a podcast featuring Dr. Charles Shepherd (UK) and Dr. Ken Friedman (of NJME/CFSA and multiple US platforms) on UK and US updates.

Who it serves

Audience What the site offers
ME/CFS patients in New Jersey Awareness material, a planned patient survey, and advocacy aimed at the NJ Department of Health
Supporters and donors A membership and charitable contribution form; donations earmarked "Research" are stated to be used only for the research effort
New Jersey healthcare students and NJ residents A medical scholarship application for 2026–2027, with up to $5,000 in tuition remission or educational expense reimbursement
The broader chronic-illness community Research and advocacy intended to benefit people with similar diseases in New Jersey and elsewhere

What it is not

The site describes an association and advocacy organization, not a clinic or treatment service. Nothing in the available material indicates that it provides medical care, diagnosis, or patient referrals. If you need clinical care, this site is a source of context and advocacy information, not a provider.

Practical notes if you want to engage

  • Patients in New Jersey: watch for the survey announcement; the organization has said it will ask NJ-resident ME/CFS patients to complete it.
  • Donors: use the membership and charitable contribution form, and note the site's statement that "Research"-earmarked donations are restricted to the research effort. The site references Stripe as a payment platform; specific payment or login requirements are not described in the available material.
  • Students: the 2026–2027 Medical Scholarship application and announcement flyer are linked from the site; eligibility is stated as all healthcare students in NJ and all NJ residents.

In short, NJ ME/CFS is a state-level patient advocacy and research organization for ME/CFS in New Jersey, serving patients, supporters, and healthcare students through awareness work, a planned state survey, scholarships, and donations.