Lyme Legislation is Moving in PA

URGENT ACTION NEEDED – Email Governor Shapiro

Great News! SB-232, The Lyme Disease Education of Parents, and Establishing Protocols for Tick Bites in Schools passed the HOUSE (179-23). This bill is important because rapid removal of ticks is essential to decrease transmission of disease. Parents must be notified so they can monitor their children for symptoms and seek out prompt care if treatment is needed. Learn more about Senate Bill 232.

The next step is to EMAIL GOVERNOR SHAPIRO. Steps to send a letter:

1. Click https://www.pa.gov/form/governor/contact.html for the form to fill out on the governor’s page. Scroll down to “Scheduling” to find the “ONLINE FORM.”

2. Fill out form with your information.

3. Where there is a drop down menu for what the message is about, click on “Legislation.”

4. Copy the template letter from below, and paste it into the comments section on the governor’s form.

5. Add your name* after “Sincerely,”

*If your full name doesn’t fit due to section restriction, put your first initial and last name.

As always, thanks for your support!

LETTER FOR GOVERNOR SHAPIRO

Dear Governor Shapiro,

As a person who has experienced the devastating effects of Lyme disease, I request you sign into law SB-232. This bill is sensible Lyme legislation that requires school health personnel to remove ticks, notify parents, and facilitate tick testing.  

Pennsylvania has led the nation in Lyme disease cases 11 of the past 13 years. In 2022 over 84,0000 Pennsylvanians contracted Lyme Disease; children represented 25% or 50 children/day. We must protect children. This bill helps to do that. 

Rapid tick removal is essential to decrease transmission of disease. Parents deserve to be notified so symptoms can be monitored & prompt treatment sought if needed. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent long term symptoms. Tick testing is important to help determine which diseases may have been transmitted if the child becomes ill. These are all crucial steps in caring for children in a Lyme endemic state.

Please sign SB232 into law.

Sincerely,

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