Gilchrest pushes Lyme disease measure

Daily Times - Salisbury, Maryland
Maryland Congressman Wayne Gilchrest is pushing for new legislation that would help the Eastern Shore -- along with the rest of the nation -- deal with the growing problem of Lyme disease.

The proposed legislation would form a national advisory committee to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and allocate nearly $100 million in federal funds over five years to establish accurate testing and treatment of Lyme disease. The bill was introduced by Gilchrest, R-1st-Md., and New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith last week.

Combating the disease -- which causes arthritic, neurological and cardiovascular problems in 20,000 Americans each year -- holds personal meaning for Gilchrest.

Gilchrest said he has seen the effects of the disease firsthand, from members of his own staff to his wife, Barbara, who fought the illness for a period of time.

"I have seen the devastating effects this disease has had on families in my district and the growing costs it has on our economy and communities," he said.

While 49 states have reported at least one case of the disease, which is spread through deer ticks, Gilchrest said policies for nationwide prevention have only been recently developed as doctors try to unify their findings.

Though still in its early stages, Gilchrest said the bill appears to be drawing support from other lawmakers.

"This bill is an ambitious but necessary attempt to finally understand and treat this growing epidemic," he said. "Now its up to some of us to work hard and educate members of the House and Senate."

But while Gilchrest lobbies in Washington, the bill has already drawn kudos from some residents on the Lower Shore.

Pam Andrews, co-founder and vice president of the Eastern Shore Lyme Disease Association, said the need to tell people about the illness is paramount to prevention.

"It's a very important bill," said Andrews, who suffers from the disease herself. "If we don't get it under control, its going to ruin people's lives."

Jackie King, a Delmar resident and fellow ESLDA member, said they continue to make their own efforts to inform the community. Pat Smith, president of the Lyme Disease Association, will speak in Salisbury on Monday.

"(The bill) is long overdue," she said. "It would cure a lot of problems we have as far as research and prevention awareness."