1st Meeting TBD Working Group Submission Public Comments- Lucy Barnes
December 4, 2017
Dear Tick Borne Disease Working Group Members,
Since tick borne diseases (TBD) are often a matter of life and death for those who are exposed to a host of vectors and/or are currently suffering with chronic and often disabling symptoms, I respectfully request the following actions be taken:
1.) A strong recommendation to HHS and others by the TBD Working Group for the transfer or dismissal of those previously or currently involved in any federal TBD related activities. This action is absolutely necessary due to the disastrous way research, education and patient care has been handled for the past three decades by a select few.
2.) TBD Working Group members should engage in strict oversight and monitoring of federal agencies and their budgets related to TBD. This will ensure the agencies will discontinue abusing a system originally created to provide quality research findings and solid solutions to problems faced by millions of people both nationally and world wide.
3.) All future TBD and antibiotic related research grants be patient oriented, closely monitored and approved by all TBD Working Group members before funds are released.
4.) Designate that the majority of government funding for TBD related research be awarded to independent scientific researchers and experienced medical professionals with a history of successfully treating patients with early, late-stage and chronic Lyme and tick borne diseases.
Once these measures are implemented we can all move forward having faith that a much needed change will take place- one that is necessary before we can find a cure for Lyme and many other tick borne diseases. Thank you in advance for your efforts in addressing these concerns.
And don’t forget… do a tick check!
Lucy Barnes, Director
Lyme Disease Education & Support Groups of Maryland
631 Railroad Avenue
Centreville, MD 21617
Posted on the Federal TBD Working Group website: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/advisory-committees/tickbornedisease/meetings/2017-12-11/written-public-comment/index.html
