PROVIDENCE - In an effort to raise awareness of the incidence of Lyme disease in Rhode Island, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined with leading researchers and medical experts to discuss new efforts to battle the tick-borne disease.


"As summer gets into full swing, and Rhode Islanders spend more time outside enjoying the beauty of our state, we must take necessary precautions to stay safe from Lyme disease," said Reed, a cosponsor of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act.


Reed was joined by Dr. Jerome Larkin, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases & Lyme Disease Clinic, Rhode Island Hospital; Dr. Penelope Dennehy, Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the Pediatric Institute Diseases Clinic, Hasbro Children's Hospital; and Thomas N. Mather, Ph.D., Professor & Director of URI's Center for Vector-Borne Disease.

Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, has secured over $1.3 million in federal earmarks to enable URI to develop and implement tick-bite prevention education programs as well as a community-based tick control program.