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Lyme Disease Awareness Forum
The free event will be held on Monday, August 15th from 7-8:30pm at the Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road).
At this forum, physicians and scientists will present important information about Lyme disease and the black-legged ticks that are vectors for the disease. DOHMH staff will also provide statistical updates on the incidence of Lyme disease cases in New York City and will answer questions pertaining to tick precautions and removal. The New York City Parks’ Urban Park Rangers will host an education station, with specimens and informative materials. The Staten Island Museum will also present a natural sciences exhibit.
Topics discussed at the event will include basic facts about Lyme disease, symptoms and health impacts, public safety tips, precautions when exploring natural areas and do’s and don’ts on tick removal.
Speakers at the event include: Sally Slavinski, DVM, MPH, Assistant Director of the Zoonotic and Vectorborne Disease Unit at NYC DOHMH; Brian A. Fallon, MD, MPH, Director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University; Thomas Daniels, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Vector Ecology Laboratory at Fordham University; Jordan Glaser, MD, Director of Infectious Diseases, Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health; Deeptha Nedunchezian, MD, internal medicine and infectious disease specialist; and Ernest Visconti, MD, infectious disease specialist.
“Given the existing deer conditions on Staten Island, we all need to educate ourselves and be smart about taking steps to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease, which can be debilitating,” noted BP Oddo. “I want to thank Commissioner Mary Bassett at the DOHMH for partnering with us to bring these important educational resources to Staten Island.”
“Staten Island has many recreational spaces with wooded and tall grassy areas, and residents should know how to protect themselves from tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “We have worked closely with Borough President Oddo on a public awareness campaign, and we are pleased to participate in a public forum with experts who can help Staten Islanders enjoy their beautiful borough while minimizing the risk of Lyme disease.”
To RSVP for the event, call Renee Sarno at (718) 816-2133 or email RSarno@statenislandusa.com.
