Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Month!

This national proclamation in the month of May is an opportunity to elevate awareness of Lyme and the growing number of other tick-borne diseases and conditions that affect increasing numbers of people in the US each year. Recent data from the centers for Disease control and prevention show tick-borne diseases are on the rise. In 2017, state and local health departments reported a record number of cases of tick-borne disease to CDC. Cases of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, spotted fever rickettsiosis (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever), babesiosis, tularemia, and Powassan virus disease all increased—from 48,610 cases in 2016 to 59,349 cases in 2017. These 2017 data capture only a fraction of the number of people with tick-borne illnesses. Under-reporting of all tick-borne diseases is common, so the number of people actually infected is much higher. According to the CDC, Lyme disease case estimates alone have now reached 476,000 annually. Prevention is key to staying healthy!

Awareness and education is critical in preventing these diseases all year long!

Events

SAVE THE DATES!! The Quiet Epidemic is coming to Colorado beginning in May! “As close as your backyard!”

COTBDAA is collaborating with other community organizations to ELEVATE awareness of Lyme & other tick-borne diseases/conditions with a film tour of The Quiet Epidemic. This film breaks the real impact of a long-ignored epidemic ~ Lyme disease.

Check back for links for ticketing/registration for each of these special events.

• May 3, 2023 – Broomfield Auditorium, Broomfield, CO (Followed by Q&A with filmmakers & Lyme literate medical care providers, patients, advocates!)
• May 5, 2023 – Steam Plant Theater, Salida, CO (In partnership with Chaffee County Public Health and Partnership for Community Action! Followed by Q&A with filmmakers & Lyme literate medical care providers, patients, advocates!)
• May 10, 2023 – Stardust Theater, Buena Vista, CO ((In partnership with Chaffee County Public Health and Partnership for Community Action!)
• May 17, 2023 – Telluride, CO (In partnership with Wilkinson Public Library)
• June 17, 2023 – Manitou, CO (In partnership with Rocky Mountain Women’s Film)

Colorado Governor’s Proclamation

Proclamations declaring May as Lyme & other Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Month have been signed by former Governor John Hickenlooper in both 2017 & 2018. And by Governor Jared Polis in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023!

View 2023 Proclamation

View 2022 Proclamation

View 2021 Proclamation

View 2020 Proclamation

View past years proclamations here

In addition, Chaffee County, City of Salida & Town of Buena Vista will also be signing proclamations for Lyme & Other Tick-Borne Diseases/Conditions Awareness Month in May 2023! Consider asking your local community to do the same!

Elevate Awareness throughout the month of May!

Join us in supporting our growing community of people affected by Lyme and other TBDs in Colorado, their family members, caregivers and friends, as well as those that have not yet been impacted by these diseases.

• Post & share your experience with Lyme & TBDs/Conditions via social media platforms and tag us @coloradoticks #FACESOFLYMEINCO #COLORADOTICKS throughout May!
• View, post & share COTBDAA prevention resources to prevent tick bites
• Wear green throughout the month of May; tie a green ribbon around a tree, a mailbox, a light post, car bumper; write a letter to your representatives or local newspaper.
• Ask your local community government officials for a proclamation in May for Lyme & Other Tick-borne Diseases/Conditions Awareness Month.

Lyme & COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created increased challenges for everyone. And although case numbers for COVID are decreasing, that is not the case for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases/conditions. With warming weather, more people are spending more time outdoors and unfortunately, ticks are still not social distancing!

Many initial tick-borne disease symptoms are flu-like and may not be readily recognized, especially in light of similar symptoms found with COVID-19, and other flulike illnesses. Access to medical care providers experienced with diagnosing Lyme and other tick-borne diseases has always been challenging, and now more than ever in many communities. With an estimated 476,000 new cases of Lyme disease expected this year, now is the time to increase awareness and practice prevention!

Give the Gift of Awareness!

Direct others to COTBDAA and to our Community Partners for valuable resources to help educate friends, family and communities throughout Colorado and beyond!

Make a small donation in support of COTBDAA: Donate here!

Additional Resources

COTBDAA Community Partners provide a wealth of information, resources and services to help keep you informed, healthy and protected.