National Capital Lyme Disease Group to host one-day legislative seminar

Some encouraging news: There is currently a one-day Lyme Legislative Seminar on the calendar, which will take place on March 28, 2009, at George Mason University, hosted by the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association. You can view the agenda for the seminar here. Thankfully, there will be several people involved in the seminar who wield enough power to change the course of history, one of whom is Congressman Frank Wolf, (R-VA 10th District).

Conference Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Monte Skall

703-821-8833; monte@skall.net

Major Summit on Tap for Lyme Organizations

LEADERS URGE UNITY – STRENGTH IN NUMBERS.

Washington, D.C., February 6, 2009. Leaders from top Lyme disease organizations across the

country plan to assemble on March 28, 2009, at George Mason University near the nation’s

capital to hold an open discussion of their views and build unity in the Lyme community.

Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood and controversial diseases in U.S. history, and

cases are dramatically increasing many thousands each year. Lyme victims are seeking long

overdue CHANGE–in testing and treatment that will improve their lives and research to cure

this debilitating disease.

Lyme leaders and advocates plan a one-day forum to discuss their views and consider the need

for Congressional action to accomplish goals that will serve Lyme and tick-borne disease

victims.

SESSIONSWILL INCLUDE:

Understanding the Legislative Process and the Need for Hearings

Recommending Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Goals and Objectives to the U.S.

Congress

Substantive Issues in Lyme Legislation and Congressional Solutions

Participation in the IDSA Guidelines Review Process and Public Hearing

Presenting a United Front

All Lyme organizations throughout the country are being invited. Groups and individuals are

urged to share ideas and suggestions in advance and may find additional information at

http://www.natcaplyme.org/legforum.

Conference Agenda:

NATIONAL CAPITAL LYME AND TICK-BORNE DISEASE ASSOCIATION
LEGISLATIVE FORUM–Saturday, March 28, 2009
 
AGENDA
 
8:00
 Continental Breakfast and Seating of Attendees
 
Morning Sessions:  9:00 to Noon 
 
9:00
 Welcome: Dr. Gary L. Kreps, Dean, George Mason University Center for Health and Risk Communications
 
9:05
 Introduction of Congressman Frank Wolf 
Gregg Skall – General Counsel, NatCapLyme
 
9:10
 Keynote: Congressman Frank Wolf, (R-VA 10th District)
 
9:25
 Panel Session:  Understanding the Legislative Process and the Need for Hearings
. Mark B. Harkins, Senior Government Relations Advisor, Womble Carlyle; 
 Topic:  The legislative process in the U.S. House of Representatives
. John K. Mashburn, Esq., Womble Carlyle
Topic: The legislative process in the U.S. the Senate.
 
10:40
 Panel Session:  What Are Our Goals?  What Do We Need from Congress?  – Moderated Discussion
. A discussion of the potential Congressional actions, including a legislative mandate to HHS, Congressional oversight, a clear statement of Congressional purpose and reporting requirements

. A discussion about the points needed in any Congressional record and committee report to establish a firm foundation for further action.

. A discussion of the suggested speakers to testify before the Congressional committees.

. Panelists TBA
 
Lunch Break:  Noon to 12:30
(Box lunches provided for working lunch)
 
Afternoon Sessions:  12:30 to 6:30
 
12:30
 Panel Session:  Substantive Issues in Lyme Legislation and Congressional Solutions: How do the legislative proposals get the job done? – Moderated Discussion 
. The value of oversight and how to structure it?

. What should legislation accomplish?

. Key elements of any Lyme bill; Role of an HHS Advisory Committee; medical and research Community viewpoints

. Panelists TBA
2:30
 Identification and Discussion of Areas of Agreement –Moderated Discussion
 
Coffee Break: 3:30 – 3:50
 
3:50
 Achieving a Common Purpose – Moderated Discussion 
 
4:50
 Where We Go From Here?
 
6:30   Adjournment and Appetizer Reception in the Foyer 
 

 Note 1:  Wherever “Lyme” is used, it is meant to refer to Lyme and all tick-borne diseases. Note 2:  Sessions will include time for Questions and Answers.
Note 3: Moderated discussions will be facilitated by the following faculty of the George Mason University, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR, http://icar.gmu.edu/ ): 
Wallace Warfield, Ph.D., George Mason University. Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution. Public policy, cross-cultural and multiethnic conflict.
Sandra I. Cheldelin, Ed.D., University of Florida. Vernon M. and Minnie I. Lynch Professor of Conflict Resolution. Intraorganizational and public-sector conflict, multiparty issues, psychological dimensions of conflict. 
 
WCSR  4054339v5

For more information:

http://www.natcaplyme.org/index.php?module=Pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=1