Binghamton University to co-host Lyme disease conference

BINGHAMTON, NY—Binghamton University and Southern Tier Lyme Support, Inc. will co-host the 5th Annual Lyme Disease Conference from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Innovative Technologies Complex, 85 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal. This event is open to the public, but online registration is required.

Lyme disease is a serious public health problem, especially in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. It is estimated that over 400,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, including many families and communities in New York’s Southern Tier.

The conference will include opening remarks from Bahgat Sammakia, distinguished professor of mechanical engineering and vice president for research at Binghamton University, as well as Ralph Garruto, Lyme disease researcher and director of the Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Research Center.

Other guest speakers include:

• Jill Auerbach, Hudson Valley Lyme Disease Association: “An Overview of NYS and Federal Advocacy and the Need for Tick Research to Eliminate Disease”
• Brian Leydet, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: “Knowledge Gaps in Lyme Disease Ecology, Transmission, and Control”
• Bettina Wagner, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: “Lyme Disease, Treatment and Vaccination in Man’s Best Friends”
• Robert Giguere, Director of Sales, IGeneX, Inc.: “Testing Techniques for Tick-borne Pathogens”
• Hilary Thing, Certified Herbalist: “Hidden Advantages of Natural Lyme Treatment”
• Heidi Puc, Integrative Medicine of Central New York: “Lyme and Co-infectors: Causal Role in Cancer?”
• Amy Lazzarini, Integrative Medicine of Central New York: “Impact of Lyme and Co-infections on the Gut”
• Kenneth Liegner, Kenneth Liegner, MD and Associates; Internal Medicine: “The Disease That Doesn’t Exist – Chronic Lyme Disease”

“Upstate New York is now significantly impacted by the emergence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and raising community awareness through this annual conference is an important part of our mission to serve New York and the communities in which we live,” said Garruto. “Many people in our own communities are contracting Lyme and suffering significantly. We are approaching the problem from the ground up—from the ecological and biological aspects of the disease, to development of new diagnostic tests and treatment regimes, to development of public health intervention and prevention strategies, including education and community outreach. The Tick-borne Disease Research Center at Binghamton is integral to this mission, with 24 investigators from Binghamton and four other collaborating SUNY institutions.”

Southern Tier Lyme Support (STLS) is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing Lyme disease awareness, prevention and support. STLS works closely with the Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Research Center to understand the complex interaction of factors, including human demographics and behaviors that put people at risk for infection and to enhance education and outreach. The organization relies on the generous support of the community, business partners, donors and support group members. Proceeds are used for education, awareness and prevention of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

For more information, and to register for the event, go online.