Advocates gathered in Albany's West Capitol Park on Friday in solidarity with the "Worldwide Lyme Disease Protest" to raise awareness and highlight the need for more recognition from government, science and medicine that Lyme Disease is a global concern.
Lyme disease is a growing public health concern throughout the Northeastern United States - the co-ordinated worldwide rally is all about getting the word out - with 30 states and 30 countries in all participating.
Although sparsely attended, the Albany gathering featured a good line-up of speakers, along with people on the ground handing out brochures and sharing info.
Christina Fisk is one of the directors of the Saratoga/Glens Falls-area Lyme Action Network. She explains that throughout the world, Lyme patients are raising awareness and protesting to highlight the need for more recognition that Lyme disease is a global concern, they want better testing and diagnosis and they want Lyme disease listed as a "notifiable infection" by local and regional health authorities.
They are also demanding more funding for research into tick-borne diseases. Christina Fisk says most people never know they've been bitten by a tick.
Stephen Leslie was sick for years with chronic Lyme disease. After years of mainstream and alternative treatment, he found a remedy that helped him recover, and urges the medical community to thoroughly investigate all avenues of treatment.
Congressman Paul Tonko, Democrat of New York’s 20th district, pledged his continued effort to lead the fight against Lyme disease in Washington. In the Empire State, New York State Senator Terry Gipson's TickBITE Act passed the Senate Insurance Committee on April 22nd. The proposed legislation would require health insurers and workers’ compensation to provide coverage for long-term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens. It would also establish a dedicated fund for research into and public education on tick-borne illness.
To learn more details about this protest please visit these following pages.
Worldwide Facebook Page - Here events are being planned and discussed and updates will be posted about all the countries involved. (If link does not work you can search for Worldwide Lyme Protest on Facebook)
Worldwide Lyme Disease Awareness Protest Official Website - This website has all the International information and links to what countries and states are participating. All details will be kept up to date. It is a good directional for the info you may be looking for.
Worldwide Lyme Disease Awareness Protest US- This site will be posting up to date information on the United States protests and plans.
