LYME SCI: Getting a Lyme Awareness proclamation in under an hour

ByDorothy Leland

It’s not difficult to obtain a Lyme awareness proclamation in your local jurisdiction. I followed the steps outlined in this simple guide on “How to do a Lyme awareness proclamation in your region.” Here’s what I did:

Since I live in San Luis Obispo County, California, I called the office of my County Supervisor, John Peschong. I told the receptionist that May is national Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and that I wanted to submit a proposal for a county proclamation about that. She then transferred me to Vicki, the person in charge of these tasks.

I then introduced myself to Vicki and briefly described my daughter’s illness—the reason I fight for Lyme awareness. She offered to forward instructions, and asked me to send her a copy of what I’d written. (Remember to ask for contact information and email address before hanging up)

I then followed the four steps in our LymeDisease.org guide on how to write a proclamation. I used the template and added a few facts specific to California. I also included:

    • A brief description of myself, as well as why I advocate for Lyme awareness
    • A detailed copy of what I’d written for the proclamation
    • I thanked her sincerely for her time, and
    • Included all my contact information (Full name, address, phone number)

Two days later, I received email confirmation that the supervisor had approved my proposal. One week later, I received a call letting me know the date that my proclamation will be presented.

That’s it!

In less than one hour of my time, I facilitated a county-wide resolution proclaiming May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. In a few weeks, I will be holding a fancy copy of the proclamation.

You don’t have to attend the meeting where the proclamation will be presented, but I recommend it. Take a photo of yourself with your public official and share it on social media. Remember to tag me on Twitter @LonnieRhea and I will retweet your proclamation in May.

I went the extra step of writing a press release, inviting my local TV, Radio and Newspaper to cover the announcement. SLO Resolution

Click here for our press release guide.

LymeSci is written by Lonnie Marcum, a Licensed Physical Therapist and mother of a daughter with Lyme. Follow her on Twitter: @LonnieRhea  Email her at: lmarcum@lymedisease.org .

 

Dorothy Leland is a longtime advocate and researcher focused on Lyme disease education, policy awareness, and patient support. She has contributed to numerous publications and works closely with medical professionals and organizations to improve understanding and treatment of tick-borne diseases.

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