SERINO: INFORMATION IS POWER WHEN IT COMES TO COMBATING LYME

ALBANY, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) announced today that her bill to create a public awareness program to combat Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) passed in the Senate.

"When it comes to Lyme and TBDs, information is power,” said Serino who Chairs the Senate's Taskforce on Lyme and TBDs. “This bill aims to arm the public with the information they need to stay safe and healthy as they enjoy New York's great outdoors. A public awareness campaign that focuses on reducing one's exposure to Lyme and TBDs can play a critical role in curbing the spread of these debilitating diseases.”

The bill (S. 5803A) would statutorily require the State Department of Health (DOH) to create a public prevention and awareness program that includes methods for effective prevention—the safe use of insect repellant, best practices for tick removal, methods for reducing exposure and what to do once the tick is removed.

The announcement comes on the heels of the passage of the State Budget, which included $600,000 to combat Lyme and TBDs for the second consecutive year. As Taskforce Chair, the Senator had been advocating tirelessly for the inclusion of this critical funding, which represents an unprecedented commitment by the State to tackle these debilitating diseases.  

The bill, which passed in the Senate last year, is sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Didi Barrett.

“I cannot overstate just how important it is to get the word out about Lyme,” Serino continued. “I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to make the bill’s passage a priority this Legislative Session.”

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