U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced on May 29 a series of major initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s response to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. The announcement was made during a press conference in Concord, New Hampshire, following a roundtable with state lawmakers and Lyme disease advocates as part of Kennedy’s “Take Back Your Health” tour.
The Department of Health and Human Services outlined actions including a multi-million-dollar pilot program focused on tick control, up to $2.5 million in innovation challenges, funding for National Institutes of Health researchers to address Alpha-gal syndrome, and a public-private collaboration designed to help patients connect with experienced providers.
Advocacy groups such as Project Lyme described the announcement as “BIG NEWS FOR THE LYME COMMUNITY,” while the Global Lyme Alliance highlighted efforts related to alpha-gal syndrome and improved access to care. Sophia Sargent, a Lyme disease survivor who attended the event, said, “Yesterday was a day I never thought I would see…For years, Lyme patients have fought to make an invisible illness visible. Today, our voices were heard.” Nicole Malachowski called it “a significant step in the right direction for Lyme Disease & Tick Illness patients.”
Government officials also responded positively. Representative John James said, “Ticks are a growing problem in Michigan. This announcement about combating Lyme disease is great news.” New Hampshire Senate President Sharon Carson noted that Secretary Kennedy’s visit included discussions on how HHS plans to strengthen prevention and improve treatment for communities nationwide.
Medical professionals reacted by supporting efforts for better diagnostics and treatment protocols. Dr. Marc Siegel from NYU Langone Health stated, “We’re moving into an era thanks to Kennedy and his initiatives where we’re gonna be able to test that tick right away…Kennedy is featuring that too. He says we’re missing a lot of chronic Lyme and I completely agree with him on that.” Dr. Neil Stone added support for any initiative improving diagnosis or understanding of this infection.
Several media outlets covered the event with headlines noting federal investments in research, pilot programs targeting tick populations, innovation competitions worth $2.5 million, as well as efforts aiming at reducing cases by 25% by 2035 compared to 2022 levels through stronger patient support systems.