By Terri McCormick

Congress has taken a significant step forward for patients and families across the country, by introducing House Resolution 1279 (H.Res. 1279). It’s a bipartisan resolution to officially designate May as National Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Month.

While similar resolutions have appeared in the past, none have gained real traction. This renewed federal engagement marks the strongest momentum the Lyme movement has seen in more than a decade and the first time such an effort has aligned with major federal tick-borne disease legislation already moving through Congress.

For a community that has spent years fighting to be heard, this moment represents a meaningful shift in national recognition.

What advocates achieved this year

This progress didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of persistent, coordinated advocacy led by Center for Lyme Action (CLA) and nearly 10,000 volunteers who continue showing up, sharing their stories, and refusing to give up.

In February, CLA advocates held almost 370 congressional meetings with attendees from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. These conversations are reshaping how lawmakers think about research, funding, and the urgent need for national recognition. Patient stories are now influencing policy discussions in ways that were unthinkable even a few years ago.

Federal funding has also reached a new milestone. Since 2019, Lyme and tick-borne disease programs have seen a cumulative increase of $625 million. For Fiscal Year 2027, CLA submitted more than 2,500 appropriations requests to 475 congressional offices, reaching 93 percent of members involved in the process. More lawmakers than ever are identifying Lyme and tick-borne diseases as a priority after hearing directly from patients and families.

In April, CLA partnered with the National Alliance for PANS/PANDAS Action (NAPPA) to expand conversations around infection associated neuropsychiatric conditions. One hundred seventeen advocates met with 93 Senate and House offices to share stories and encourage stronger policy and funding.

Kristina Bauer with son Mason and Melinda Sander with daughter Carly

This month, CLA convened advocates, families, and experts in Washington, D.C., for its Congressional Series. Young advocates Mason Bauer and Carly Sander attended with their mothers, reminding lawmakers that Lyme and tick-borne diseases affect entire families.

Speakers included Brian A. Fallon, MD, MPH, Director of the Clinical Trials Network for Lyme and Other Tick-borne Diseases; Congressman John W. Mannion; Congressman Ryan Mackenzie; Nicole Bell of Galaxy Diagnostics; and Meghan Bradshaw of Center for Lyme Action.

Federal momentum and what comes next

The introduction of H.Res. 1279, which now has 10 co-sponsors, is part of a broader wave of federal activity concerning tick-borne diseases.

Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submitted a letter supporting the reauthorization of the Kay Hagan Tick Act, formally endorsing stronger federal coordination, improved diagnostics, and greater accountability in national tick-borne disease programs.

On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed that Tick Act reauthorization, sending the bill to the House floor for a vote.

Another key bill that continues to advance is the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.

Progress is happening, but the work is not finished. Every advocate, every story, and every hour volunteered helps push this movement forward. The community’s strength comes from the thousands of patients, families, and supporters who stand together and speak with one voice.

The more people who join this effort, the more momentum we build and the harder it becomes for policymakers to look away.

How to get involved

If you want to be part of this progress, advocates are needed from every state. Whether you have Lyme or another tick-borne disease, love someone who does, or simply want to help create change, your voice can make a difference. Click here to send a letter to your representative today.

To learn more or get involved, the first step is to sign up for the Center for Lyme Action mailing list at centerforlymeaction.org and join the effort. Scroll to the bottom and fill in your name and email on the pop-up form.

Terri McCormick is a writer and advocate with LymeDisease.org. She is the author of the book Being Misdiagnosed: Stories That Reveal the Hidden Epidemic of Lyme Disease.  Available at Amazon or TerriMcCormick.com