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

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 .