Dear Friends: 2014 Accomplishments
December 31, 2014
As we begin a new year at NatCapLyme would like to thank our community as well as our friends around the county for your support and help during the past year and wish you health and happiness in 2015. As a multi-purpose organization our efforts are focused on helping people with tick-borne diseases through awareness, education, support, advocacy, and research.
We are proud to share several of our accomplishments. In 2014, NatCapLyme:
Education & Grants
- Made a grant to develop a Lyme Disease Prevention Education & Awareness Curriculum K-12. Lyme topics will be included in reading/English, language arts, math, science, social studies, and health lessons for each grade level, with supplemental handouts, research aligned activities, and lessons that enhance learning and develop skill sets.
- Funded a special program “Learn the Latest on Lyme” for students, parents, school staff and the wider community about Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Nine expert speakers, including doctors, educators, students, and parents presented on the physical, neurological, psychological, and educational impacts of Lyme disease.
- Established a grant program for first time attending physicians to attend the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society 2014 Scientific Conference “Lyme Disease Fundamentals Course” in Washington D.C. Ten physicians were awarded grants and returned to their communities better prepared to treat their patients.
- Participated in the 2014 Combined Federal Campaign, educating federal employees from various agencies including 10 districts through Virginia and Maryland. Over 24 educational programs on Lyme disease were presented in D.C., Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, and worked with local public health officials to bring about awareness of Lyme disease prevention and treatment.
- Developed a series of printed educational materials on tick-borne diseases that addresses diagnosis, treatment, prevention and tick identification for public use. Over 250,000 pieces of literature were made available to the public this year.
Legislation
- Actively participated in legislative education concerning tick-borne diseases on both the federal and state levels. Our legal counsel organized and presented “Doctor’s Primer on the Current Legislative Environment” at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society‘s Annual 2014 Scientific Conference in Washington D.C.
- Worked with Lyme organizations across the country to educate Congressman Chris Gibson in designing his bill HR 4701, encouraging him to keep Congress “focused” and have frequent and active oversight of the Working Group HR 41701 would create through public hearings to assure transparency and balanced scientific viewpoints.
Community Service
- Actively maintained 18 support group meetings in 3 states and the District of Columbia. These meetings are an important aid for patients to regain their health by providing life skills for dealing with daily challenges and illness related social problems, as well as disability and insurance issues.
- Reached out to minorities with new educational materials and counseling on Lyme & tick-borne diseases, including new Spanish language brochures and printed materials.
Research & Grants
- Awarded a research grant to support the work of Dr. John Aucott at the Lyme Disease Research Foundation, which will be entering the SLICE study 3rd phase at Johns Hopkins. The study will begin recruiting chronic Lyme disease patients from whom samples will be obtained to study antibody responses and will test a refined diagnostic test of Dr. Benjamin Luft. The foundation’s goal to “clearly define and understand the cause of disabling symptoms these patients may suffer and improve their diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes” is encouraging and significant.
- Pledged a grant to the Parasitology Laboratory at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia to establish tick testing for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases.
We extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association over the last year with a financial donation, volunteering or supporting our many activities and projects. The mission of our association can only be sustained by the support of dedicated people like you.
Wishing you and your family good health in 2015!
Monte Skall
Executive Director
