Over the last decade, the number of Mainers diagnosed with Lyme disease has soared. As Chris Philbrook of Cumberland will tell you, this illness is physically and financially debilitating, and more needs to be done to educate health care professionals and the public about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

Fortunately Senator Susan Collins understands the gravity of this public health crisis, and recently authored the Tick Act to do just that. Under this new law, more resources will be allocated to improve research, prevention, diagnostics and treatment for tick-borne diseases. 

Lyme disease takes a toll on far too many Maine families, and according to statistics, this problem will only continue to grow. Fortunately, Senator Collins cares deeply about the health of Mainers and will continue to fight for us in Washington.

For more information about the Tick Act, click here.

Visit The University of Maine's Cooperative Extension's Tick Lab website to learn how to protect yourself from ticks and tick-borne illnesses: https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/