07-R120

2007 -- H 6174

Enacted 03/20/07

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

PROCLAIMING THE FIRST SATURDAY OF JUNE TO BE "TICK CONTROL

AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Naughton, Scott, Carter, and D Caprio

Date Introduced: March 20, 2007

     WHEREAS, Lyme is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, The national costs associated with Lyme disease are estimated to be more

than $1 billion each year; and

     WHEREAS, For the past decade, Rhode Island has consistently had the second highest

rate of incidence of Lyme Disease in the nation, and has a high incidence of other tick-borne

illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, The estimated cost of Lyme Disease to Rhode Island's economy is more

than $30 million annually; and

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

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

measures; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island is fortunate to have the Center for Vector-Borne Disease

(CVBD) at the University of Rhode Island. The CVBD is a nationally and internationally

renowned resource for tick-bite protection and disease prevention programming; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the seriousness and prevalence of Lyme Disease and

other tick-borne illnesses on Rhode Island's citizenry; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby proclaims the first Saturday in June henceforth, to

be "Tick Control Awareness Day" in the State of Rhode Island in an effort to raise awareness of

tick-bite and disease prevention opportunities available to the citizens of the state; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby respectfully requests the University of Rhode

Island Center for Vector-Borne Disease in conjunction and coordination with the Rhode Island

Department of Health to schedule events to educate the public about ticks, and to provide for the

expansion of efforts concerning the prevention, education, treatment and research activities

relative to Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses; 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 University of Rhode Island's

Center for Vector-Borne Disease, and the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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LC02666

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