Lyme Light is looking to paint the town green come May to mark Lyme Awareness Month.
Lyme Light has been active in the community over the last couple of years, supporting those who are battling vector–borne illnesses. The group is planning to join communities across North America this May to raise awareness of Lyme and Lyme related illnesses.
Organizers are hoping to tie lime green ribbons on trees throughout Drumheller, and also provide informative pamphlets and brochures for residents to learn more about how these types of diseases are contracted, and how a person can protect themselves. Right now, they know of seven people in the community with vector-borne illnesses.
Organizers have seen other communities take up the green-ribbon campaign, undertaking a number of endeavours including tying giant lime green bows on water towers. Calgary Mayor Naheed Neshi has officially declared May Lyme Awareness Month in Calgary.
Currently, the group is in the planning stage and hopes to talk to Town Council in the near future to find out about getting permission for their campaign.
Green Part yleader Elizabeth May's private members Bill C-442, to stimulate debate about prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research on Lyme disease, became law December 16; An Act respecting a Federal Framework on Lyme Disease. The Act calls for the Minister of Health to “convene a conference,” within 12 months, with provincial and territorial health ministers, medical communities and patient’s groups, to form a national approach on “the challenges of recognition, timely diagnosis and treatment.”
