Members of the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases have an important role to play in sharing evidence-based research that can educate policymakers and support public health initiatives. Advocating for legislation can improve healthcare systems and public health, as well as advance the field of infectious diseases.
Dr. Ross Boyce recently visited Capitol Hill to talk with legislators about the risks associated with increasing vector-borne diseases, supporting legislative priorities of the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). He met with staff in the office of Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC District 11) to talk about the La Crosse virus in western North Carolina. He also met with the office of Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC District 5) to talk about about Lyme Disease.
“My role was not to advocate for any specific policy,” says Boyce, “but to inform the lawmakers about how these diseases are impacting the communities they represent. Having interacted with patients and families affected by these diseases, either clinically or through research studies, I have a responsibility to share their experiences with folks in a position of power to make a real difference through legislation.”
Dr. Boyce also met with the offices of Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC District 4) and Congressman Tim Moore (NC District 14), as well as a team from Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton’s office. There, he talked about ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease prevalent in both North Carolina and Arkansas where the Lone Star tick is common.
AMCA legislative priorities include funding for the SMASH (Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health) Act, authorizing CDC resources to be used to address emerging infectious mosquito-borne disease and improve existing control programs for the protection of public health. The AMCA is also advocating for a nationwide database for vector surveillance. Improved surveillance of mosquito populations and disease threats allow America’s publicly funded mosquito control professionals to better target their activities, saving taxpayer dollars while improving public health protection.