BLAST Lyme Disease Prevention Program

BLAST is an acronym for Bathe after outdoor activity, Look for ticks and rashes, Apply repellent, Spray the yard, and Treat pets. According to prevention research published in 2009, these are five key evidence-based steps that may reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. The BLAST program was created with a $50,000 grant from the State of Connecticut and is currently funded by grants and private donations. The program engages health professionals and trained educators to teach the community about the prevention of tick-borne diseases and how to quickly identify early warning signs. BLAST is staffed by trained volunteers and offers its services for free at health fairs, schools, and community events throughout Fairfield County.

The goal of the program is to raise awareness of the most effective Lyme disease prevention practices, to educate the community about the early signs and symptoms of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and to promote timely diagnosis and treatment.

The BLAST program has raised awareness of the most effective Lyme disease prevention practices through various outlets and has been recommended by the CDC.

BLAST dissemination activities have included presentations with health educators, municipal involvement, outreach to medical personnel, advertising, and publicity. The program has created valuable web-ready resources for free use by all parties. BLAST has made appearances at multiple Lyme and tick-borne disease conferences, including one hosted by the CDC and EPA.

The BLAST Prevention Program is nationally recognized and was recommended by the CDC in 2008. The program has shown promise for expanding. In 2013, the regional coordinating body, Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials (HVCEO), granted $4,000 to train BLAST Lyme Disease prevention educators for health events in the Greater Danbury area.