06-R 208

2006 -- S 2967

Enacted 04/26/06

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION OF EFFORTS CONCERNING THE PREVENTION, EDUCATION, TREATMENT AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES RELATIVE TO LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES

Introduced By: Senator Leo R. Blais

Date Introduced: March 23, 2006

     WHEREAS, Many communities within the State of Rhode Island have very high

incidences of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, Across the United States, incidences of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne

illnesses have been increasing at an alarming rate; and

     WHEREAS, Studies have shown a high correlation in the incidence of Lyme Disease

with the abundance of ticks and their geographic distribution; and

     WHEREAS, The prevention of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses is best

accomplished by a combination of public awareness, personal protection, and environmental

measures; and

     WHEREAS, Laboratory tests for Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses are not

definitive, and consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of long-term Lyme Disease

have yet to be developed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby recognizes the seriousness and prevalence of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses

in Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests the Rhode Island Department

of Health to provide for the expansion of efforts concerning the prevention, education, treatment

and research activities relative to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Health

Department and the Foster Town Council.

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LC02797

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