FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2011
Contact: Elise Marsh
703-209-3787
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Lyme Disease Awareness Month
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McLEAN, VIRGINIA - The month of May has been permanently designated as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Virginia as a result of House Joint Resolution 643, which Delegate Comstock sponsored and passed during this year's legislative session.
Delegate Comstock issued the following statement:
"I look forward this month to working to raise awareness about this debilitating disease. We will increase our education efforts about the threat of Lyme Disease, and we also have the ongoing efforts with the Governor's Lyme Disease Commission. I am committed to helping to ensure that people living in high risk areas know how to protect themselves and their children and get the medical treatments they need."
Monte Skall, Executive Director of The National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association issued the following statement:
"The National Capital Lyme Disease Association (NatCapLyme) is grateful to the Virginia General Assembly for adoption of House Joint Resolution No. 643, permanently designating the month of May as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month" in Virginia in every year without need for annual renewal.
"On behalf of all Virginians affected by Lyme disease, NatCapLyme and its seven Virginia chapters gratefully acknowledge the leadership of the resolution sponsor, Delegate Barbara Comstock, and those members who joined her as co-patrons. We appreciate their hard work and support.
"NatCapLyme represents hundreds of Lyme victims throughout Virginia as well as in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Lyme disease is regarded as the fastest-spreading vector-borne infection in the United States. Virginia has not been spared, experiencing a 169% increase in CDC-reportable Lyme cases. Many authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, have called for greater public awareness of this disease to foster better prevention and early detection. With this Resolution, organizations can reliably plan to make May a focal point of public education and awareness.
"Joint Resolution No. 643 achieves that noble purpose of encouraging public education on Lyme and how to prevent its further spread in the Commonwealth. Resolution No. 643 will be an important benefit to our citizens. This measure extends official recognition of the problem, encourages Virginians to learn about these diseases, treat them seriously, take aggressive prevention measures and seek early treatment. It will encourage physicians to seek medical education about Lyme and tick-borne infections in Virginia."
The following are upcoming Lyme Disease Events:
MAY 5 Lyme Disease Awareness Program Held In Ashburn
A Lyme Disease Awareness program will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 7:00 - 9:30 PM at Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church (43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, VA 20148). The program features local expert Samuel Shor, MD, FACP, plus a special screening of the award-winning documentary Under Our Skin. Dr. Shor is a member of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell 's Lyme Disease Task Force. More information can be found on the Church's website: http://www.oswlc.org/events/lyme.
WHO: Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church
WHAT: Lyme Disease Awareness Program
WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 2011
7:00-9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church
43115 Waxpool Road
Ashburn, VA 20148
MAY 15 Loudoun Lyme 5K and 1 Mile Run
Delegate Comstock will be attending the 1st Annual Loudoun Lyme 5K to drive awareness and raise money to help find a cure for Lyme disease - the number one tick-borne illness in the United States. The Loudoun Lyme 5K will also feature a 1M family walk, children's activities, as well as an information fair to educate the public about Lyme disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments. Delegate Comstock will also be presenting House Joint Resolution 643 at the event.
WHO: Loudoun Lyme
WHAT: Loudoun Lyme 5K and 1 Mile Run
WHEN: Saturday, May 15, 2011
7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
WHERE: National Conference Center
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Lansdowne, VA 20176
MAY 22 Wash Out Lyme Disease
The Regional Veterinary Referral Center will be hosting "Wash Out Lyme Disease," a fundraising dog wash at their Springfield location. With a donation, their friendly and knowledgeable staff will be available to give your dog a bath and answer your questions about Lyme disease and its effects on your pets and family. All proceeds will benefit the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association and their mission to build support, increase awareness and find a cure!
WHO: Loudoun Lyme
WHAT: Wash Out Lyme Disease
WHEN: Sunday, May 22, 2011
12:00-3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Regional Veterinary Referral Center
6651 Backlick Rd
Springfield, VA 22150
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