Hearing Is An Opportunity To Speak Out On Lyme Disease
Hearing Is An Opportunity To
Speak Out On Lyme Disease
To the Editor:
As Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force members, we have heard hundreds of heart-breaking stories regarding the debilitating effects of misdiagnosed or inadequately treated Lyme disease. Our community is not alone: Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has received letters and calls from thousands of Connecticut residents, expressing profound concern.
We were therefore most gratified to learn that his office, together with the Department of Public Health, will hold a hearing on Lyme disease on January 29 in Hartford. The intent of this hearing is to address the concerns of the citizens of Connecticut on Lyme and the many issues surrounding this disease.
As you know, Lyme disease has reached epidemic proportions in Connecticut. We must voice our concerns in regard to the growing problem of tick-borne diseases and the impact these diseases are having on individuals, families, and entire communities. Your presence, interest, and support would mean a great deal to those affected by Lyme and all those threatened by the illness.
The Centers for Disease Control notes that Lyme cases nearly doubled from 1991 to 2000. An early analysis of CDC statistics indicates that national incidence rates climbed 39 percent between 2001 and 2002.
In 2001, Millward Brown (a leading supplier of consumer research), conducted a survey regarding the presence of diagnosed Lyme disease in the towns of Wilton, Ridgefield, and Newtown. Based on the data, 39 percent of households have some member who has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
The Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force in conjunction with other advocacy groups throughout Connecticut have been working hard to help organize the hearing. This event will consist of three panels: 1. Patients. 2. Physicians/Scientists. 3. Government.
We hope this hearing will initiate important dialogue regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease.
This hearing is free, open to the public and we encourage your attendance. The hearing will be held in the Legislative Office Building. Please RSVP and for more information contact Randall Nelson, Connecticut Department of Public Health, at 860-509-7994.
Those interested in participating in a survey to address the issues and concerns regarding Lyme disease in the State of Connecticut, please go to www.lymesupport.com. Hard copies of these surveys will be presented at the hearing.
We have reached âcritical massâ in regard to the number of people with Lyme disease. With the support of our communities, we have the opportunity to be heard and make a difference. Please join us in our efforts to emphasize the impact Lyme disease is having in our state, and to help alleviate and prevent our families, friends, and neighbors with additional suffering from tick-borne diseases.
Sincerely,
Kim Harrison
The Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force
35 Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                             January 13, 2004