Important Public Forum on Friday

On Friday, September 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Hudson Area Library, Mary Beth Pfeiffer, author of Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change, will discuss the rise of Lyme disease and provide reliable sources of information in the fight against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The public information forum is offered in collaboration with Assemblymember Didi Barrett, who will talk about #GetTickedOff, her public outreach campaign to raise awareness of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and to connect the community of people interested in learning more about the prevention and treatment of these diseases.

An award-winning investigative journalist, Pfeiffer began researching tick-borne diseases in 2012 and has since become a leading expert on the subject. Her book, Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change, chronicles her journey all over the world where she has heard stories of families whose lives have been turned upside down by a single tick bite, witnessed the rapid global expansion of ticks and the diseases they carry, and explored the political and medical controversies that ultimately do more harm to patients and their families. Jane Goodall wrote that Pfeiffer's book "throws new light on one more danger caused by climate change. Pfeiffer points out the importance not only of combating ticks but also the need for doctors to respond quickly and provide appropriate treatment. A stark warning that Lyme is but the tip of the iceberg."

Copies of Pfeiffer's book will be given away at the forum, while supplies last. Discussion will follow the presentation and refreshments will be served. The event takes place in the Community Room at the library, located at 51 North Fifth Street.