Christi-
Another thing I think we need to do when hosting a screening is to contact the UOS folks and make sure we have their blessing to use their film for our own purpose...you know...giving appropriate recognition and such.
In fact, I think they have a section on their web page that talks about if you want to host a screening...
As far as pitching it to your principal...
I would simply stress that our educators and parents are on the frontlines of this battle whether they care to be or not.
1.)They are often the first ones who see major changes in an affected child's work or personality.
2.)They also should be aware of Lyme prevention techniques, however limited it maybe. Are they, as a school system, doing enough to keep school property safe for children to play outdoor sports and recess, gym class, etc.?
3.)This is the best way to reach out to the parents in their communities. They are also part of the frontline and need to be aware of Lyme disease so that they may figure it out sooner rather than later if their child becomes infected to give their children a much better prognosis.
Lyme is the fastest growing vector borne disease and has reached epidemic levels. This is a fact that needs to be revealed to families all across the nation.
Lyme is far easier to treat when caught right away and can lead to major and even permanent damage and in more rare cases, even death if not caught early.
Finally, It needs to be exposed that there is political contraversy over Lyme disease that is getting in the way of finding at the very least a better test for early diagnosis and at best a cure.
The general population needs to be made aware that their patient rights to adequate treatment and insurance coverage are being denied and that effects everyone...sick or not because it sets a precedent that a particular group, in this case the IDSA, can monopolize all say and research money for a particular disease.
We all know why monopolies are bad but in science...they have NO PLACE at all. And that's why legislators need to step in and protect their constituents.
Please let me know how your phone call goes...
Hope this helps you make your case!
Post edited by: dharma79, at: 03/26/2009 07:27
