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'This is going to be a national problem' | Charlotte group helps propose federal bill to help COVID-19 long-haulers

The CARE for Long COVID Act is a bill that would start research to help educate patients and healthcare providers about long COVID

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, some say they are still suffering from the lasting effects after catching the virus. Now, a proposed bill could offer hope for those with long COVID to get the help they need.

U.S Senator Tim Kaine (D - Va.) himself has what's been deemed "long COVID". He recently introduced the CARE for Long COVID Act, a bill that would first set up a structure to catalog the many symptoms of long COVID, then start research to help educate patients and healthcare providers about the condition.

Megan Carmilani is a Charlotte mom and also the creator of Long COVID Families, a non-profit organization that played a part in making this bill proposal a reality.

RELATED: Charlotte COVID long-haulers still face issues long after facing the virus

“It’s going to I think be revolutionary for care so when people go to the doctor they’re no longer met with blank stares of I don’t know how to help you," she said.

Carmilani also shares the long COVID struggles are close to her heart, especially because as a child she says she contracted Mono twice, leaving her with a post-viral syndrome much like the aftermath of having COVID.

“This is going to be a national problem and we need to do everything we can," she said.

MORE NEWS: Most North Carolina state agencies move to mask-optional policy March 7

As part of the bill, the plan is to also offer grants to organizations that are working to offer services to long-haul COVID patients. But Carmilani says what's best for everyone is doing whatever we can to avoid getting the virus at all.

“If you get COVID, there is still a chance you could get long COVID," she emphasized.

Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of long COVID.

Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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