Commissioners work hard to protect Pike against tick-borne disease

To the Editor:
When Pike County residents think of a county commissioner and the various tasks that they must address, they rarely think of issues related to the public health of the residents of this county.

My colleagues and I have worked closely with Commissioners Osterberg, Caridi, and Wagner to address the issues associated with the current epidemic of Lyme and tick borne infections; it affects the health and well being of all of the residents of Pike County. Our commissioners have tirelessly worked with an all-volunteer group to create the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's first ever countywide Task Force Committee of Lyme and Tick Borne Diseases.

Pike County now is considered the poster child and program model of how counties should mobilize and address issues related to tick borne infections in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Under the leadership of these forward -thinking commissioners, we have created a model program to address the issues of education, prevention, and surveillance of ticks and the diseases that they carry. On Oct. 10, our commissioners succeeded in bringing together several experts in the field of Tick and Lyme Diseases to discuss environmental and patient medical issues in the first ever Pike County Tick Borne Diseases Symposium. I would like to further state that this event was well attended by concerned residents for all walks of life!

It is my sincere belief that Commissioners Osterberg and Caridi should be given the opportunity to continue in this important task involving a vital public health battle against ravages of tick-related infections.

This vital public health issue transcends party politics. It's about the health and safety of our community, and we can trust the current commissioners to continue their proactive leadership in facing this problem head on.

The question that I pose to those candidates running against Commissioners Osterberg and Caridi is, "Gentlemen, what are your policies and track record in dealing with tick borne diseases in Pike County?"

Remember, we are not dealing with mudslinging and name calling but a real issue involving the public health of the residents of Pike County.

Dr. Robert-A. Ollar, PhD
Member, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health, Tick and Lyme Disease Task Force, Harrisburg

Microbiologist and member of Pike County Tick Borne Diseases Task Force Committee, Milford