The Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Prevention, Education and Research Act of 2009, HR 1179, was introduced into the US House of Representatives by New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith on February 25. The bill authorizes creation of an advisory committee guaranteeing patients a seat at the table and a voice for the first time. The bill also authorizes funding for research and projects. Please contact your representatives and ask them to sign on as cosponsors. This article provides links to important information and help you might need to contact your legislators.

The national Lyme Disease Association has set up a special section of their website to make it easier for you to contact your legislators. The information below is almost identical to what you will find by going to the LDA website. We suggest that you go directly to the LDA legislative website if you intend to contact your legislators now.

Actions Needed by Individuals, Organizations and Businesses

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS

1. To find your U.S. Representative and your two U.S. Senators CLICK HERE.

2. Determine if they are signed on as a co-sponsor by going to the LDA legislative website and clicking your state’s link on the left menu. This list will be updated regularly.

3. If they are not signed onto the bill, call and ask that they sign on as a co-sponsor. Follow up with an email or a fax if you can. You can email or fax instead of calling if you’re not comfortable calling.

4. LDA provides sample blurbs and letters for you to use.

5. If you have comments about your contacts with legislators that you would like share, please email us at: LDA.Lyme@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you would like to do more:

6. Email this information to everyone you know. Ask them to contact their representatives to encourage them to co-sponsor the Lyme disease bills.

7. Contact national, state and local organizations and businesses. Ask if they would like to sign on to support the Lyme disease bills. If they wish to do so, please have them follow the instructions below.

ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES

1. Last year there were 117 groups representing more 30 states signed on in support of the “Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Prevention, Education and Research Act of 2007”.

2. If your group is not signed on, click here to Sign Up

3. Call all U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representatives that reside in your advocacy area. Click here to find out who they are http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/ or click on your state’s name on the left menu on the LDA website. http://www.cwork.com/

4. Determine if they are signed on as a co-sponsor by going to the LDA website http://www.cwork.com/
and clicking on your state’s name on the left menu. If they are not signed onto the bill, call them and follow with an email or a fax if you can. Email or fax instead of calling if you’re not comfortable calling.

5. Click here for SAMPLE BLURBS / LETTERS

6. If you have comments about your contacts with legislators that you would like share, please email us at: LDA.Lyme@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

7. Email this information to everyone you know and ask them to contact their representatives and to encourage them to support the Lyme disease bills.