Issue Position: Combating Tick-Borne Diseases

Issue Position

The Hudson Valley is the epicenter of a Lyme disease public health crisis that affects many people - residents and visitors alike - each year. In fact, Dutchess and Columbia counties report the highest incidence of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the state. Recently, the Columbia County Health Department confirmed its first case of Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease that is becoming increasingly common.

Assemblymember Barrett is fighting Lyme disease with effective policy changes and public awareness. This year, she launched the #GetTickedOff advocacy and outreach campaign - an effort that includes public forums featuring local experts in the Lyme community and a social media presence that aims to share tick and Lyme disease news, provide tick prevention tips, and raise public awareness about the epidemic here and across the country.

Assemblymember Barrett has sponsored the following bipartisan legislation to fight Lyme and other tick-borne diseases:

(A8829) - requires warning signage at all State Parks and campgrounds;

(A4863-A) - requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to develop an online resource to help homeowners with tick management practices on their property;

(A7558-B) - prohibits the investigation of any claim of medical professional misconduct based solely on treatment that is not universally accepted by the medical profession;

(A8105-A) - requires the commissioners of the Departments of Education, Health, and Environmental Conservation to develop Lyme disease-related instructional tools and resources for school districts and libraries to assist in education and awareness for children. These resources were just released and will be ready for the new school year. (Link to them)

Source