ALSO- Due to the possibility of inclement weather ... please be sure to check www.LymeRights.org for updates. The details about parking, directions, food, etc were put on the site yesterday.
Don't head to the rally until you check the site please!
CONTACT: Rally/State: Maggie Shaw, Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force 203-470-5406 National: Pat Smith, Lyme Disease Association, Inc. 888-366-6611 [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE- For Immediate Release
Is the Connecticut DPH Helping Patients?
Hartford, CT February 12, 2010 −At a time when all eyes are focused on the economy, no one seems to be watching as the Department of Public Health (DPH) dwindles away tax payer's dollars attempting to persecute a pediatrician for making children better.
DPH investigations and legal actions, prompted by supporters of the guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), have forced Dr. Charles R. Jones of New Haven to defend himself against charges that have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, there is a significant outstanding balance in his legal defense fund.
The complaints filed against Dr. Jones were not due to children being harmed, in fact, they all have improved significantly as a result of his treatment. Yet, the DPH continues to monitor Jones and gathers children's medical files from his office shelves to try to find evidence that will justify any charges that many say are designed to bankrupt him and force him into surrendering his medical license.
After almost 6 years as a target of the DPH, Jones is still licensed to treat, has a full patient load with a long waiting list, and works six days a week to help as many sick and disabled children as possible.
Dr. Jones, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport with over one hundred of his ``children'' in attendance, took an unprecedented stand against the flawed Infectious Diseases Society of America's (IDSA) Lyme disease treatment guidelines long before Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal launched an investigation which uncovered multiple undisclosed conflicts of interest by IDSA panelists who developed the guidelines.
For years, Jones has refused to allow the thousands of children with Lyme and tick-borne diseases, who have been coming to him from around the world for help, to suffer from lack of adequate treatment.
``We must send a clear message to health departments across the country that we will not be bullied, or allow our right to medical treatment to be trampled,'' stated Jones in a recent letter to patients and health care providers. His ``children'' and their parents are grateful that he helped so many of them return to a normal life after years of suffering.
Although the State has indicated the most recent charges are not about Lyme, it hired two Connecticut-based ``Lyme specialists'' to testify against him. Dr. L. Zemel, one of the ``experts,'' testimony was thrown out, with the panel characterizing him as clearly biased against physicians who treat chronic Lyme and against many of the labs that they use.
This characterization comes as no surprise to Lyme patients and their families who have been subject to the same type of bias by many IDSA guidelines' followers, leading to curtailed treatment, disabling disease, tremendous pain, and inability to function in society.
As Dr. Jones' legal fees continue to snowball, someone needs to investigate how much the State is spending to harass a good doctor who is saving lives and what other doctors, who pose real threats to patients, are slipping through the cracks while this spurious investigation is permitted to continue.
CT volunteer Lyme disease support groups are holding a rally for Dr. Jones prior to his next scheduled DPH hearing on February 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM in front of the DPH building on Capitol Avenue.
For more information and inclement weather advisories on the rally please visit www.LymeRights.org Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
February 13th, 2010 Vol 3, Issue 1
Action Alert #2 from:
Lyme Disease Association and Connecticut Support Groups on behalf of LymeRights
Lyme Rights Rally Update
The weather forecast indicates we may have inclement weather.
A final determination on whether to hold the rally will be made by Lyme Rights based on the forecast and will be posted on Monday afternoon.
Please check www.LymeRights.org for updates before leaving for the rally and hearing. Your safety is our concern.
CONTACT: Rally/State: Maggie Shaw, Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force 203-470-5406 National: Pat Smith, Lyme Disease Association, Inc. 888-366-6611 [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE- For Immediate Release
Is the Connecticut DPH Helping Patients?
Hartford, CT February 12, 2010 −At a time when all eyes are focused on the economy, no one seems to be watching as the Department of Public Health (DPH) dwindles away tax payers' dollars attempting to persecute a pediatrician for making children better.
DPH investigations and legal actions, prompted by supporters of the guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), have forced Dr. Charles R. Jones of New Haven to defend himself against charges that have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, there is a significant outstanding balance in his legal defense fund.
The complaints filed against Dr. Jones were not due to children being harmed, in fact, they all have improved significantly as a result of his treatment. Yet, the DPH continues to monitor Jones and gathers children's medical files from his office shelves to try to find evidence that will justify any charges that many say are designed to bankrupt him and force him into surrendering his medical license.
After almost 6 years as a target of the DPH, Jones is still licensed to treat, has a full patient load with a long waiting list, and works six days a week to help as many sick and disabled children as possible.
Dr. Jones, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport with over one hundred of his "children" in attendance, took an unprecedented stand against the flawed Infectious Diseases Society of America's (IDSA) Lyme disease treatment guidelines long before Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal launched an investigation which uncovered multiple undisclosed conflicts of interest by IDSA panelists who developed the guidelines.
For years, Jones has refused to allow the thousands of children with Lyme and tick-borne diseases, who have been coming to him from around the world for help, to suffer from lack of adequate treatment.
"We must send a clear message to health departments across the country that we will not be bullied, or allow our right to medical treatment to be trampled," stated Jones in a recent letter to patients and health care providers.
His "children" and their parents are grateful that he helped so many of them return to a normal life after years of suffering.
Although the State has indicated the most recent charges are not about Lyme, it hired two Connecticut-based "Lyme specialists" to testify against him.
Dr. L. Zemel, one of the "experts," testimony was thrown out, with the panel characterizing him as clearly biased against physicians who treat chronic Lyme and against many of the labs that they use.
This characterization comes as no surprise to Lyme patients and their families who have been subject to the same type of bias by many IDSA guidelines' followers, leading to curtailed treatment, disabling disease, tremendous pain, and inability to function in society.
As Dr. Jones' legal fees continue to snowball, someone needs to investigate how much the State is spending to harass a good doctor who is saving lives and what other doctors, who pose real threats to patients, are slipping through the cracks while this spurious investigation is permitted to continue.
CT volunteer Lyme disease support groups are holding a rally for Dr. Jones prior to his next scheduled DPH hearing on February 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM in front of the DPH building on Capitol Avenue. For more information and inclement weather advisories on the rally please visit www.LymeRights.org
For updates and more information visit Lyme Rights website at www.LymeRights.org
ATTEND THE RALLY IN SUPPORT OF DR. CHARLES R. JONES AND ATTEND THE CONNECTICUT MEDICAL BOARD HEARING
WHEN: RALLY- Tuesday, February 16 at 11:00 AM
HEARING- Following the Rally which is currently scheduled for 1:30 PM the same day*
WHERE: RALLY- Outside the CT Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134
HEARING: Connecticut Department of Public Health, 470 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134 (Room to be announced)
Note: The outdoor RALLY will be held at 11:00 AM, even if the DPH cancels or reschedules the hearing.
The Connecticut Medical Examining Board hearing is currently scheduled for 1:30 PM on February 16, 2010, the same day as the RALLY.
The DPH might change the hearing date/time BUT THE RALLY WILL STILL BE HELD. We will meet at 11:00 AM at the DPH Building for the rally.
If the hearing goes as scheduled, we will proceed to the hearing after the rally.
SCHEDULE
11:00 AM- RALLY begins at Department of Public Health
11:30 AM- Speaker- Pat Smith
11:45 AM- Speaker- Dr. Joseph Burrascano (barring personal commitments)
12:00 PM- Speaker- Bonnie Friedman, Office Manager for Dr. Charles Ray Jones
12:15 PM- Get warm, lunch break and proceed to hearing on your own
1:30 PM- Hearing scheduled to begin (Room to be determined)
**NOTE- In order to enter the DPH Building you must have a drivers license or suitable identification and you must sign in.
PLEASE PLAN ON PARKING IN PARKING LOT "C" WHICH HAS A FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE.
Detailed directions, maps, suggestions and additional information can be found at www.LymeRights.org
PLEASE CHECK FOR UPDATES BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE RALLY & HEARING DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INCLEMENT WEATHER AND A POSSIBLE NEED TO RESCHEDULE THE EVENT.
Although LDA supports this rally, it is sponsored, planned and carried out by LymeRights, at www.LymeRights.org . LDA is providing this Alert notice as a courtesy to LymeRights.
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Got myself fixed up with super warm ski parka, ski mitts, long underwear.
If you don't have any heavy duty cold/wet weather gear of your own, consider borrowing from friends or asking outdoor equipment store for loaner.
If the rally is to be canceled it would be enormously helpful to know by 6am Mon instead of midday for those traveling long distances.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Special THANK YOU to Pinelady for pitching in to help! We needed it!
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
A few more ideas for signs.
"Attacking Dr. J. Is Like Cutting Off Your Right Hand, CT DPH!"
"CT DPH: Wrong Side Up on Lyme Disease"
"CT DPH: Attack Lyme Disease Not the Messengers!"
"Choose Your Lyme Friends and Enemies With More Discernment, CT DPH"
"NOT your friends: 1. Sick Ticks 2. CT DPH if you get sick from ticks"
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Good ones Fight! But I have some bad news to share. Rally cancelled! Darn that SNOW!!!
Cancellation Notice- Dr. Jones Rally- February 16, 2010
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service forecast for Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 predicts several inches of snow, starting Monday night and continuing into Tuesday and Tuesday night for Hartford, CT and surrounding areas. The forecast indicates the chance for snow is 90%.
Due to the forecast, the rally scheduled for Dr. Jones on February 16, 2010 will not be held. Your safety is our concern.
We hope this announcement will give those who were planning to attend the rally ample time to rearrange their schedules. We apologize for any inconvenience.
We will keep you informed of new actions as they develop.
Thank you for the outpouring of support you have shown for Dr. Jones!
Please visit the LymeRights website for updates and future plans.
knowing the amount of funds that has been used and
will be subject of discretion to taxpayers in CT.
Let us know when -if it gets a go ahead later.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Unofficial report in ... not confirmed but from some fairly goofy sources just the same.
Although the rally was cancelled due to bad weather... I heard about 30 people roughed the cold and snow to get to the hearing to support Dr. Jones.
One person video taped it.. which will be available soon we hope.
I heard Tillis (the attorney against Dr. Jones) tried to get Duck Zemel's testimony back in (on the record) after the members threw it out due to the fact he is very bias against Lyme docs and their labs...
But they said no way Jose! HA!
We are still not certain of all the terms and conditions... but someone took notes and I hope to be able to share them as soon as possible.
Oh, someone said some big goat blabbed on and on like he wanted Dr. Jones to be thrown to the sharks.
But after all the grand standing ... it was just annoying to everyone there and made the goat look baaaadddddd.
Wish I had more to report .. but will surely report more when I do.
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
An update from today's news...really unbelievable!
STATE MEDICAL BOARD State Disciplines Doctor At Center Of Lyme Disease Dispute
By ARIELLE LEVIN BECKER The Hartford Courant February 17, 2010
HARTFORD -- - The state medical board on Tuesday voted to discipline Dr. Charles Ray Jones, a New Haven pediatrician known for his support of a controversial form of Lyme disease treatment.
The discipline -- a $10,000 fine and a four-year license probation during which Jones' practice will be monitored -- will not take effect until the board signs the decision, which is expected to happen next month. It will mark the second time in three years that the board has disciplined Jones, 80.
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