Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Dutchess/Columbia) announced that two laws she championed to increase awareness and improve prevention against Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses go into effect Feb. 3. 

“Education and research are our biggest assets in the fight to keep our families healthy and safe from Lyme disease,” Barrett said. “I’ve been at the forefront of prevention and treatment efforts because the toll this disease has taken on Hudson Valley communities is already too high. This legislation continues the fight and arms people with crucial knowledge.”

The first piece of legislation – which Barrett authored – requires signs informing visitors of the dangers of Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases be installed at state parks, trail entryways and campgrounds (Ch. 354 of 2018). Another law going into effect establishes a working group focused on reviewing best practices to diagnose, treat and prevent the spread of Lyme and tick-borne diseases (Ch. 337 of 2018).

Barrett has long been a vocal advocate for Lyme disease awareness and improved treatment, introducing numerous pieces of legislation to combat the spread of tick-borne illnesses. Her past triumphs include passing laws to help doctors pursue safe and effective treatment options for Lyme disease (Ch. 532 of 2014 and Ch. 11 of 2015), create an awareness campaign through health and wellness education and outreach programs and develop educational materials for schools and libraries about Lyme (Ch. 167 of 2016 and Ch. 109 of 2016).

Barrett also launched the #GetTickedOff campaign in December 2017 to start an online community to share information about tick-borne diseases, research and legislation.  

Despite the current frigid temperatures sweeping across the state and the country, Lyme disease is a year-round issue, Barrett noted. Ticks don’t die during the winter months, but instead either burying underground in burrows or dens or attach themselves to a host. Ticks become more of a threat as the weather fluctuates as they become active at any time of the year when the temperature climbs above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground is not wet or icy.[1]