Delgado Co-Sponsors Bill
To Create Office To Fight
Spread Of Lyme Disease
WASHINGTON – With Lyme disease cases rising 78 percent from 2007 to 2017 in the 19th District he represents, U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado has signed on as a cosponsor to the National Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Control & Accountability Act of 2019.
The bipartisan legislation creates a new Office of Oversight & Coordination for Tick-Borne Disease and would create a national plan to address Lyme disease.
“Lyme disease is under-studied and under-reported; we need a comprehensive federal plan that looks at Lyme disease from all angles,” Delgado said.
“I’ve talked with so many folks in Upstate New York about ways to address the environmental risks and health impacts of Lyme disease. A new federal office is the tool we need to bring folks together and take action. And given that climate change is only exacerbating the spread of Lyme disease, this work is more important than ever.”
The new office would be within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The office will foster collaboration between various government departments and organizations.
According to the announcement of the new legislation, Delgado has met with Lyme disease experts and advocates in Upstate New York and is also a member of the bipartisan Lyme Disease Caucus. The caucus is committed to advancing initiatives designed to help with treatment and prevention of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, as well as educating Members of Congress and their staff on the impact of Lyme disease.
I wish that you all that are working on fighting Lmye Disease on all levels would share your concerns and get Texas on board with yall too. We do have it here as well. I’ve had it for 35+ yrs and was finally diagnosed 2 yrs ago. This has been one hell of a journey you don’t want to be on.
Than you
Tina Greer