TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Tick Act

ByDorothy Leland

In 2019, the original Kay Hagan Tick Act authorized five years of research funding for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

It was named in memory of former US Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina, who died of complications of tick-borne Powassan virus.

It’s now time to renew this important legislation. You can help by using the letter-writing tool from the Center for Lyme Action. You fill in your information and the system does the rest.

There is a pre-written letter that you can use as is–or add personal details if you wish.

Your voice matters

Tick-borne diseases like Lyme are no longer just a local concern—they are a national crisis.

? In 2003, Lyme disease affected around 30,000 Americans. Today, the CDC estimates 476,000 new cases each year—a 1,487% increase. These illnesses are spreading across the country, and public health systems are struggling to keep up.

The Tick Act must be reauthorized to:

✅ Direct HHS to implement and update the National Strategy to improve coordination, expand research, and enhance diagnostic tools.
✅ Support state health departments with grants to strengthen prevention and response
✅Reauthorize and fund the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease

? We can’t afford to wait. This bipartisan bill is backed by leading experts and organizations, including the Center for Lyme Action, Entomological Society of America, LymeDisease.org and many more.

? Tell your Members of Congress: It’s time to reauthorize the Tick Act and protect Americans from the rising threat of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Here’s how to help

  1. Use this link to send a letter to your Members of Congress

  2. Share the letter campaign– a streamlined tool to voice your support in under 5 minutes.

  3. Like, comment, and share our social media posts for the campaign.

  4. Share this important advocacy effort with your community–family, friends, colleagues, etc..remember there is power in numbers!

? Visit centerforlymeaction.org to learn more and support these efforts

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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