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| A big thank you to Rapid Press of Forest Lake. |
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Minnesota Lyme Association
The MLA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Forest Lake, Minnesota
Building awareness through support and education
July 13 Support Group Meeting Recap - read more
MLASG Now Minnesota Lyme Association
Name Change Reflects the Scope of Advocacy Work
Minnesota Lyme Action Support Group (MLASG) has changed its name to Minnesota Lyme Association (MLA).
The name change better represents the mission of the group – to provide support and educate the public and
health professionals in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease – and encompasses affiliated
satellite groups around the state.
MLASG was founded in 2006 by Forest Lake resident Anne Myre who was struggling with the frustration and
isolation that Lyme patients often face. Lyme causes a variety of symptoms, such as debilitating fatigue, severe
headaches, insomnia, and migrating joint and muscle pain. Neurologic problems like bell’s palsy, numbness of
limbs, mental confusion and memory loss can develop if not treated early. Despite their physical ailments,
patients are frequently refused appropriate treatment or told their illness is psychosomatic. Such dismissal in
the face of real pain can lead to anxiety and depression; the support group provides a safe forum for patients
to vent their frustrations and share information.
The group has grown from 15 at the first meeting to its current membership of over 450. In addition to support
services, the group hosts speakers who have expertise in subjects related to Lyme disease treatment and
prevention. In August a representative from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District educated on the types
and range of ticks in Minnesota. Deer ticks – the transmitters of Lyme and other diseases – are expanding their
range in the state and have been found in each of the seven metro counties. In high risk regions, such as north
central and eastern Minnesota, 1 in 2 deer ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
This year’s annual 5K brought in over $18,000. “The success of the May fundraiser will afford us the
opportunity to build more educational resources for the state of Minnesota,” said Jan Thietje, MLA Outreach
Coordinator. Accredited physician and nurse courses, developed by the group’s medical advisor, are among
the resources provided by the group. The courses guide health professionals through the complex issues
surrounding Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment. Their goal is to expand the health care network for Lyme
patients, currently underserved by the low numbers of physicians who understand or treat chronic Lyme
disease in the state.
The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice recently enacted a moratorium on all investigations and disciplinary
actions against physicians based solely on the prescription of long-term antibiotic therapy for chronic Lyme, a
resolution spearheaded by the group in collaboration with state legislators. Physicians in other states have
been sanctioned for similar therapy, which is believed to contribute to the dearth of doctors in Minnesota who
are willing to treat Lyme patients.
Currently, MLA is enlisting support from Minnesota’s congressional caucus for federal legislation that will
provide much-needed research into the causes, complications and treatment of tick-borne diseases, HR 1179 /
S 1352. To find out if your congressperson is a co-sponsor, and for peer-reviewed papers and other
information on MLA and Lyme disease, please visit our website: www.mnlyme.com.
Monique Dubos
mosassy@gmail.com
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4th annual walk / run was a huge success!
To those of you who attended last Saturday’s 4th annual 5K fundraiser, and to those who couldn’t come but
who contributed time, money, prayers, crossed fingers, etc, that lead to the windfall that will fund our
educational programs over the next year, THANK YOU!!
The unofficial count is $18,000 . . . and still counting! (that’s before race expenses. We'll know more within the
next week or so). We are extremely grateful to the following partnership and corporate sponsors, without whose
generous contributions this event would not have been such a success:
- Anderson Custom Processing
- Bugg Products
- Diamond Tool and Abrasives
- Gateway Signs
- Health Care Psychology
- Infuscience-Eagan
- Minnesota Natural Medicine
- Northland Industries
- Rapid Press
- Running Aces
- Under Our Skin-Open Eye Pictures
Your MLASG board put together a fantastic event, and the weatherman forecasted a glorious, sunny day! HA!
Mother Nature had other ideas . . . This year the runners were separated from the walkers so the runners
could be chip timed for more precision. They took off to the blaring trumpet that began the race right as it
began to sprinkle (to view it, click here). Lisa Vague-Albertville and David Quie won a first prize each of $50. By
the time the runners had crossed the finished line, the rains had turned from sprinkles to gushes, with thunder,
lightening, and wind slashing the rain sideways against the windows. We were all very happy to be indoors! But,
alas, the walk portion of the race had to be cancelled for safety reasons.
Running Aces Harness Park was a fantastic place to host the race. All the information and vendor tables were
set up inside the big picture windows that look out onto the track. Stacy Kamppinen, the Special Events
Representative of Running Aces, was a tremendous help with coordinating the entire event in the months
leading up to and on the day of the event. Thanks, Stacy!
Mayor Steve Stegner, state senator Ray Vandeveer, and state reps John Ward and Bob Dettmer were all in
attendance and gave heartfelt encouragement to the crowd. Veterinarian Janet Gordon from New Hope Animal
Hospital, and Mike Mclean from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District also offered the crowd some helpful
tips to keep everyone in the family healthy during Lyme disease season.
What really piqued the crowd’s interest were the dozen or so gift baskets donated by sponsors to help the
fundraising effort. The gifts ranged from a pair of mugs and a pound of coffee to a weekend for two at the
Sawmill Inn in Grand Rapids. The mountain bike drew the most raffle tickets and the raffle brought in over $600!
Your Input Would Be Appreciated! If you attended the 5K, give us your impression of the event. Did you enjoy
yourself? What did you think of the venue? What about the start and end times of the event?
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Minnesota medical board vote protects doctors who prescribe controversial Lyme disease
treatment Vote protects doctors who prescribe controversial therapy read more pdf format
By Jeremy Olson
jolson@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 03/24/2010 11:48:14 PM CDT
Chronic Lyme patients win reprieve
Physicians should not fear reprisal for prescribing long-term antibiotics
by Debra Neutkens
High Risk Areas for Tick-borne Disease in Minnesota - click here to see the updated map.
The mission of MLASG is to provide a supportive environment for people affected by Lyme and other tick-
borne disease, and educate
the public and health professionals in the prevention, diagnosis and effective treatment of such diseases.
Membership & Monthly Support Group Meetings
- Founded in 2006
- 450+ membership from around the state
- Meets 2nd Tues of every month, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Forest LK, MN
- Experts speak on a variety of Lyme-related issues, including 3 national speakers in 2009: Phyllis Mervine,
the Lyme Disease Association
- Recent topics include: naturopathic Lyme therapies, pain management, and the effects of Lyme disease
on the brain - Medical Resource: Health professionals on hand at meetings for discussion with newcomers
- Annual Walk/Run to raise money for education & outreach
Public Outreach & Education
- Host information tables at Chisago and Forest Lake Home shows, Lindwood Days, Warner Nature
Center, and MN Horse Expo. - Work with the Forest Lake Community Education Program to sponsor a 2-part series, "I've Been Bitten by
a Tick, Now What?" and “Protecting People and Pets.” - Host public screenings of the award winning documentary "Under Our Skin", a moving examination of the
problems faced by Lyme disease patients, including a 3-day event, featuring Jordan Fisher Smith, the
park ranger who tells his harrowing story in the film, as guest emcee. - Meet with state and federal legislators to increase their understanding of the need for the physician
protection bill and additional research funding. - Work with state senators Ray Vandeveer (R-MN) and John Marty (D-MN), and state representatives John
Ward (D-MN) and Bob Dettmer (R-MN), to craft and pass legislation that will give doctors more freedom
to treat Lyme disease (S.F. 1631/HF 2597).
Health Professional Outreach & Education
- Hosted booth at the Minnesota Family Physician Conference to introduce physicians to new Lyme
disease information. - Provide continuing education seminars for physicians and nurses.
Additional Goals for 2010
- Work with MN Board of Medical Practice on resolution to adopt a 5-yr moratorium on investigations of
physicians solely on basis of prescribing long-term antibiotic therapy. - Partner with local school districts to develop an ongoing Lyme disease outreach program that will
educate parents and children about Lyme disease. - Participation at the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians Spring Refresher.
- Raise $19,000 at 5K in May.
- The following pages contain information about Lyme Disease and links to other websites that contain resources and
other guides to understanding Lyme Disease more thouroughly.
This website is designed to provide practical and useful information on the subject matter covered. However, it is being
shard with the understanding the Minnesota Lyme Action Support Group is not engaged in rendering the medical or other
professional service. If medical or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should
be obtained.
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