Celebrating a Decade of Excellence:In March 2025, the Bateman Horne Center of Excellence (BHC) will mark a milestone: its tenth anniversary. Over the past 10 years, BHC has become a premier resource for individuals affected by ME/CFS, Long COVID and other infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs).
Since joining BHC in 2016, I’ve seen firsthand the progress we’ve made in aligning with the ambitious vision set by the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee (CFSAC) for Centers of Excellence (COEs). Each center, as imagined by CFSAC, would provide comprehensive care, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to outreach and education—all elements BHC has fully embraced. The federal funding of $1 million to each COE for five years, never materialized, yet, BHC has resourcefully managed its funds, maximized operational efficiency and steadily increased our reach.
As we near the end of another transformative year, I want to express my deep appreciation for the incredible support that has made BHC’s critical work possible. Through our community’s dedication and generous donors, we’ve made significant strides in expanding clinical care, conducting vital research, advancing education, and reaching more people in need. Yet, with an estimated 17 million Americans now living with Long COVID—half of whom may meet the criteria for ME/CFS—our mission has never been more urgent nor has our need for financial support.
Our recent newsletter, BHC Connects: 2024 Reflections and the Path Forward, shares highlights of our journey, featuring:
• A note from our Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lucinda Bateman, on the enduring importance of our mission
• Insights into global research and preparedness for emerging chronic conditions
• Progress in educating healthcare providers to better serve ME/CFS and IACC patients
• A personal story from a provider living with ME/CFS, underscoring the empathy and insight we bring to our work
• Strengthened community support initiatives that foster hope and connection for patients and families
But as we look toward the future, it’s clear that sustaining and expanding our work will require substantial support. Your contributions directly empower us to expand access to care, fund groundbreaking research, and equip clinicians worldwide with the knowledge needed to serve patients effectively.
Please consider making a gift today to help us continue transforming lives affected by ME/CFS, Long COVID, and other IACCs. Together, we can close the knowledge gap and increase transformative care for millions in need.
Lucinda Bateman, MD, is a renowned clinician, researcher, and educator. Her Johns Hopkins University Medical School training instilled an approach to care that she has employed throughout her career - the patient comes first and the unknown or unexplained does not equate to a lack of proper and compassionate care. Since starting her own practice in 2000, she has served on six boards or committees, been the principal investigator for 45 studies, authored/coauthored 40 journal articles, served as adjunct instructor and adjunct assistant professor in the University of Utah Departments of Preventative Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology, and lectured around the world.