Minnesota Lyme Association

Minnesota Lyme Association envisions each person affected by Lyme or other tick-borne disease leading a healthy and vibrant life.

Why do we work so hard? 

LYME DISEASE – THE BIG PICTURE

• Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere.  

• The CDC recently released a report confirming that annual surveillance cases numbers are around 300,000.
• About 2,000 cases are reported to the MN Health Department each year; actual cases are likely 10 x higher.
• Each and every Minnesotan is one tick bite away from the devastating effects of Lyme disease.

 

To fulfill our two-fold mission, MLA

• Meets 2nd Tues of every month, White Bear Lake District Center
  Hosts monthly support group meetings throughout the state
• Provides credentialed speakers covering a wide range of Lyme-related topics
• Sponsors accredited continuing education courses on tick-borne diseases for physicians and nurses
• Offers scholarships to physicians to attend ILADS phyicican training
  Hosts a booth at the Academy of Family Phyicians and other medical conferences to introduce physicians to new Lyme disease information
• Presents information on tick-borne diseases to the public via large-scale events such as Linwood Days, the Minnesota Horse Expo and Warner Nature Center Fall Color Blast, and smaller community-based gatherings
• Accepts speaking invitations from private clubs and organizations
• Collaborates with lawmakers and elected officials on Lyme-friendly legislation 
  Hosts public screenings of the Oscar-contending documentary "Under Our Skin"
• Despite its stated intention, the CDC actually promotes a narrow definition of Lyme disease. The information it provides to physicians is limited in scope and ignores a large body of scientific research.  Misinformed physicians under-diagnose Lyme disease on a grand scale.
• As documented in 4 National Institutes of Health studies, people with Lyme disease may endure great suffering.  Symptoms are widespread and variable; they often worsen, leaving patients unable to attend school or work.  Some problems may persist following treatment. The societal costs of Lyme-related disabilities are tremendous.   

Get more details on our website: www.mnlyme.org