Faso, Courtney Introduce Resolution that would Mark May as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Washington D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-NY) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced H.Res. 887, a House resolution to make the month of May National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The month of May is considered Lyme Disease Awareness Month at the local and state level in many areas across the country.
Lyme Disease is a rapidly growing epidemic that is found in half of all U.S. counties and about eighty countries worldwide. It is estimated that there are 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, and there is no cure for the condition.
“Lyme disease is prevalent in Upstate New York and similar communities nationwide that boast widespread wooded areas and numerous outdoor activities,” said Faso. “Even though cases of Lyme are growing in number, the public still isn’t sufficiently aware of this devastating disease. Marking the Month of May as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month will mirror advocacy work at the state and local level, while also aligning with the beginning of spring for the northeast. When awareness of this disease is coupled with support for research efforts, we can make great strides in combatting the Lyme epidemic.”
“Cases of Lyme Disease are especially prevalent in eastern Connecticut, affecting thousands of residents. In fact, the namesake town of Lyme, Connecticut is part of the Second Congressional District that I represent,” Courtney said. “May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and I hope this resolution will contribute to the growing public discussion about the treatment and prevention of this disease. As other regions of the country are also experiencing a surge in Lyme Disease cases, I hope this will spur a national effort to raise awareness and provide additional resources to combat this disease, as well as other tickborne illnesses.”
