CALL TO ACTION 2008 (May 20, 2008)
from Pat Smith, President, Lyme Disease Association, Inc. (LDA)

Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Education & Research Act
of 2007 S-1708 / HR-741

History:
As you know, Congressman Pallone has given the IDSA control over the Lyme bill. We must change his mind. The patient call-ins, protests, & great newspaper coverage & flyers in his district have had an impact. We cannot confirm this, but we heard from a doctor who called Mr. Pallone's office that they are discussing the issue in DC now. Congress is in recess next week. IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) does not want your voice heard and has made that clear to Congress. Time has almost run out. We must make patient voices heard. You need to be counted.

Don't let IDSA control your health!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:
Who: Individuals, organizations, doctors
Where: Across the US
When: May 21, 22, 23
What: Contact the following (1) Congressman and (2) Committee Staffs
How: Please call them. Second choice fax if there is a listed fax number
Why: The House Health Subcommittee and Senate HELP Committee are where the Lyme disease bills are, and if the Committee chairs do not release the bills for a vote, the bills will die.

1. Call Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ) (P) 202-225-4671 (F) 202-225-9665 Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee - Sample Phone Blurb - I'm calling to ask Congressman Pallone to schedule the Lyme bill for a hearing today! He has made a grave mistake in siding with the IDSA which has been investigated. The IDSA Guidelines' settlement is unrelated to the bill which asks for research money and a patient voice. Mr. Pallone's job is to help patients. (leave your name, address, contact info)

2. Call the US House Health Subcommittee Staff (P) 202-225-2927 - Sample Phone Blurb - I'm calling to ask the Staff to ask Congressman Pallone to schedule the Lyme bill for a hearing today! He has made a grave mistake in siding with the IDSA which has been investigated. The IDSA Guidelines' settlement is unrelated to the bill which asks for research money and a patient voice. Mr. Pallone's job is to help patients. (leave your name, address, contact info)

3. Call the US Senate HELP Committee Staff (202) 224-5375 - Sample Phone Blurb - I'm calling to ask the Staff to ask the HELP Committee Chair to schedule the Lyme bill for a hearing today! He has ignored patients and listened to the IDSA which has been investigated. The IDSA Guidelines' settlement is unrelated to the bill which asks for research money and a patient voice. (leave your name, address, contact info)

4. Note: Out of respect, we are not asking you to call the office of Senator Kennedy, Chair of the HELP Committee, at this time.

www.LymeRights.org who supports this call-in has info on its website about other actions you can take.
For other bill info www.LymeDiseaseAssociation.org.
For U Tube protest video www.youtube.com/watch?v=13bj_6L1hbI

Pat Smith
President
Lyme Disease Association, Inc.
PO Box 1438
Jackson, NJ 08527
888-366-6611 information line
732 938-7215 fax
www.LymeDiseaseAssociation.org

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