April 26, 2011
BOSTON—Representative Jen Benson (D-Lunenburg) joined her colleagues on the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee, under the Chairmanship of David P. Linsky (D-Natick) to announce the release of a report today entitled: Lyme Disease in Massachusetts; A Public Health Crisis, a detailed report outlining the issues facing the state surrounding Lyme disease as well as the Committee's recommendations to address this increasing epidemic.
"Lyme disease is a public health crisis in Massachusetts," stated Chairman Linsky. "It has become increasingly apparent to me that no one has a clear plan or recommendation for treatment, prevention, or education relative to Lyme disease in this state. This report outlines the necessity to start addressing this disease."
The Committee's recommendations include establishing a commission to bring together experts to compile further information on the disease and to propose possible solutions for the Commonwealth, legislation mandating insurance coverage for long-term antibiotic treatment for chronic Lyme, state appropriated funding for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in order to ensure that more educational outreach is done, and that the MDPH look into the possibility of combining tick control efforts with state mosquito control efforts.
"Lyme disease is a growing problem in my district and across the Commonwealth," commented Benson. "We need to make a concerted effort to raise awareness and to ensure the availability of effective prevention and treatment options. This report will guide our actions to accomplish these goals."
In addition to a summary of the report and its findings Chairman Linsky presented a budget amendment that he filed to establish a Lyme disease commission. The purpose of the commission is to provide a more in depth analysis of the disease in the Commonwealth while bringing together local experts from a wide variety of backgrounds in order to help develop proposals as to how to better educate, treat, and prevent the spread of Lyme disease. The commission will consist of twenty one members ranging in experience from public health officials and doctors to patients and advocates.
"After sitting down to review the report's findings, the Committee has decided that there is a great deal of work that still needs to be done in order to provide the Commonwealth with the resources necessary to better address this issue," reported Vice Chairman Benjamin Swan regarding the 36 page report compiled by the Committee. "It is for this reason that the Committee has recommended and supports Chairman Linsky's budget amendment for the establishment of a Lyme disease commission to provide a more complete picture of the disease and possible solutions."
There are currently five bills before the legislature relative to Lyme disease. Representative Jennifer Benson, a member of the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee has filed H.349; An Act establishing a public health Lyme disease research institute at the University of Massachusetts Medical School at Worcester.
Other bills submitted by legislators for the 187th General Session include Chairman David P. Linsky's H.3261; An Act relative to the research and treatment of Lyme disease, Representative Theodore C. Speliotis's H.329; An Act relative to Lyme Disease treatment coverage, Representative Carolyn C. Dykema's H.3269; An Act relative to control of tick-borne illness, and Senator Michael O. Moore's S.1129; An Act relative to lyme disease and associated co-infections.
Lyme disease has affected every city and town in the Commonwealth. Many state legislators have emphasized their concern over the issue in their districts as well as the need for the state to develop solutions in order to better address the problem.
"The effects of Lyme disease have been devastating, to not only the First Middlesex district, but the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Stated Representative Sheila Harrington; also a member of the House Post Audit and Oversight Committee. "I am grateful that our committee, under the leadership of David Linsky, is taking the necessary actions to ensure that those affected are able to receive the necessary medical attention to treat this disease. I am pleased that we are taking the time to make sure the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be more informed of the causes and treatment options of this epidemic."
The report is available on the Massachusetts Legislature's website as well as directly through Chairman Linsky's office which can be reached at (617) 722-2575 or by emailing David.Linsky@MAHouse.gov.
