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CT Let your Legislators Know that Lyme Disease Counts Public Health Committee to Hold Hearing
Connecticut residents concerned about the increasing incidence of Lyme disease in our state are invited to address the Public Health Committee in Hartford on Monday, February 26 at the Legislative Office Building.
This is an opportunity for every individual who feels something must be done to eradicate this disease to be heard. The hearing will specifically consider bill #5747 to reinstate mandatory lab reporting for Lyme disease introduced by State Representative Jason Bartlett.
It comes in direct response to the problems his constituents spoke to him about on the campaign trail. This bill alerts the state legislators that the CT Deptartment Public of Health eliminated mandatory lab reporting in 2003 resulting in a misleading drop in case numbers reported.
With only doctors left reporting statewide, numbers dropped from 4,631in 2002 annually to 1,403 in 2003. Lower numbers falsely indicate to residents and physicians that the state's prevention efforts are reducing incidence of disease.
In truth, just the opposite is occurring. And, the CDC clearly acknowledges that even in the best reporting circumstances, only 10% of diagnosed cases are included in these statistics.
Most residents are equally surprised to find out the state has been spending the federal dollars it receives for Lyme prevention in only three Connecticut health districts (Torrington, Ledgelight and Weston-Westport) as part of a pilot project - there is no statewide plan for Lyme.
The DPH has been promising Lyme disease reporting will be accurate when labs are all on line. The original target date was 2005 - now we're hearing 2009. Can our families wait that long? Representative Bartlett is saying no.
Support him by calling or emailing the Public Health Committee co-chairs Mary Ann Hadley 860-240-0567, Handley @senatedems.ct.gov, and Peggy Sayers 860-240-8585, Peggy,[email protected], and let them know we need accurate numbers, funding and serious efforts made to eradicate this disease from our state.
Being #1 in Lyme for over 30 years should be enough!!!
Public hearings are open to everyone; those interested in giving testimony are allowed 3 minutes to speak and must sign up between 9 and 10; first come first serve.
Testimony should be relevant to the reporting issue. Please go to the following link to get more information on procedures. www.cga.ct.gov
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lancaster, welcome, and thanks for your FIRST POST! thanks for breaking it up; worthwhile reading.
i wish i were in conn. and my voice COULD BE HEARD! i applaud his efforts and HOPE ALL CONN. LYMIES STAND UP TO CALL, WRITE, EMAIL, ETC!
thanks for this informative article! Please continue contributing in activism as well as YOUR own personal story in medical, or if you need support, in support section!
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