Center for Lyme Action Celebrates Congressional Support at Annual Gathering

On April 8, 2025, the Center for Lyme Action, a prominent nonprofit organization focused on enhancing federal funding for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, held its annual meeting in Washington D.C. The event honored various current and former members of Congress, as well as influential figures from the Lyme disease community, who have shown exceptional commitment to fighting against this widespread ailment. Lyme disease, classified as the most frequently occurring vector-borne illness in the United States, sees approximately half a million new cases each year.

Bonnie Crater, co-founder of the Center for Lyme Action, addressed attendees, stating, "Despite some progress, Lyme and tick-borne diseases continue to severely affect millions of Americans. We believe this is a challenge we can tackle, and our award recipients have played a critical role in that fight. Their leadership is invaluable in our pursuit of a cure."

Among the distinguished awardees were several senators and representatives, including Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as members Diana DeGette (D-CO), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ).

This year’s awards ceremony highlighted the recent success in increasing federal funding for Lyme disease research, showing a remarkable 169% rise across federal agencies, now totaling $158 million. Despite this encouraging growth, funding per patient for Lyme disease remains notably low, amounting to merely $90, especially when contrasted with more rare diseases such as West Nile virus and Malaria, which receive considerably higher funding amounts per individual patient.

“Today’s awards event is a gesture of gratitude towards our supporters,” emphasized Crater. “Our work continues as we aim to meet with Congress members to underscore the seriousness of Lyme and tick-borne diseases. It is essential they comprehend the urgency of fully funding the Kay Hagan Tick Act and advancing crucial research initiatives.”

The Kay Hagan Tick Act, which requires a national strategy for addressing vector-borne diseases, has inspired substantial collaboration within federal agencies. In February 2024, health leaders finalized a comprehensive public health strategy designed to prevent and control such diseases in humans. This strategy comprises several recommendations focused on:

- Understanding the circumstances that lead to exposure and illness.
- Developing and refining resources for diagnostics and treatment.
- Preventing and managing outbreaks more effectively.
- Disseminating public health guidelines to enhance detection and response capacity.

Senator Susan Collins expressed her support during a video message, noting, “Until the implementation of the Kay Hagan Tick Act, there was no cohesive national approach toward vector-borne diseases. The objectives outlined in this strategy are significant strides towards better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses. It is critical that we stay the course with research efforts, particularly against Lyme and similar diseases.”

Today, Lyme disease is documented in every state across the U.S. and in over sixty-five countries worldwide, demonstrating the urgent need for continued advocacy and funding. For further details about the Center for Lyme Action and their initiatives, individuals can visit their website at centerforlymeaction.org or follow their latest updates on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.