SULLIVAN COUNTY - Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the leading 501(c)(3) dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through research, education and awareness, today announced that Cassandra Tutalo, of Wurtsboro has joined the Lyme Education Ambassador Program (LEAP). Tutalo will work with GLA to raise public awareness about tick dangers and teach people in her community about how to prevent Lyme disease, the fastest-growing vector-borne infectious disease in the U.S.

“More than 329,000 people in the United States are newly diagnosed with Lyme every year and yet there is an incredible lack of understanding about this disease,” said Sara Tyghter, GLA’s Director of Education and Outreach. “Our Education Ambassadors will play an important role in strengthening our efforts to protect people from this insidious disease.”

The Ambassadors are comprised of Lyme patients, caregivers and health care professionals determined to educate as many people as possible about Lyme. GLA’s Lyme Education Ambassadors undergo formal training to prepare them for presentations and meetings with local organizations, civic groups, corporations and others on behalf of the Lyme community. Each Ambassador makes an initial one-year commitment and must hold a minimum of four presentations each year.

“I decided to volunteer as a GLA ambassador to serve as a resource for those in my community because we reside in a Lyme endemic area. I am extremely passionate about teaching others tick prevention methods and educating about the complexities associated with this illness. As a Family Nurse Practitioner and someone who has dealt with this illness personally, it is my pleasure to assist in spreading the mission of GLA.”

The GLA Lyme Education Ambassador Program is open to men and women nationwide with exceptional communication skills who are “engaged, energetic and passionate about spreading awareness and educating people about the risk of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases,” said Tyghter.

To learn more about LEAP, including how to become a part of the program, go to GLA.org/joinleap. If you are interested in having an Ambassador present to a group in your area go to GLA.org/workshop.