Bridging Gaps Between Public Health and the Environment: A Policy Evaluation of the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act and Related Initiatives

Abstract

<p>The need for integration of environmental policy and public health has become ever more evident with the increasing case numbers of Lyme disease, a problem greatly exacerbated by climate change. The purpose of this study was to conduct a policy evaluation of the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act (FFLDA) and associated initiatives from an integrated environmental and public health perspective. The chosen methodology was document analysis. This thesis sought to evaluate the significance of the FFLDA for environmental law and to assess stakeholder initiatives and risk communication strategies from an environmental health perspective. This thesis emphasized a locally-oriented policy approach for addressing Lyme disease focused upon citizen science, improved signage, technological tools, and media coverage. Policy recommendations were formulated for Lyme disease management and the progression of the policy goals of the FFLDA. Such recommendations aim to bridge gaps between environmental policy and public health.</p>