POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) continue to spread awareness and promote tick prevention tips, once again hosting “Tackling Ticks on the Big Screen” on Wednesday, May 20. This free evening of family fun will include a screening of the animated film, “DC League of Super-Pets,” at the Overlook Drive-in Theater, 126 DeGarmo Road in Poughkeepsie. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m.; the movie begins at sunset. Registration is required and is available online at dutchessny.gov/tickmovie.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “As the weather warms up and more people head outside, it’s a great time to remember how to stay safe from ticks. Protecting our families and children is simple with a few easy tips to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. We invite our neighbors to join us, learn how to stay tick-free and enjoy a fun, family-friendly movie together.”
DCDOH staff will be on hand with helpful tick safety tips and to explain how to avoid bites. There will also be free giveaways, including tick removal tools and fun coloring books for children.
Health Commissioner Livia Santiago-Rosado, MD said, “Ticks have been a big health issue in New York State for a long time because so many types of ticks – and the germs they carry – live here. This event is a perfect chance to learn how to stop ticks from biting you and what to do if you find one on your skin. Knowing these steps is the best way to stay healthy, so we hope you’ll come enjoy a fun movie and learn these helpful tips.”
Admission to the movie is free; concessions will be available to purchase.
The Dutchess County Department of Health provides helpful tick safety tips throughout the year. Residents can find the DCDOH staff and get expert advice at Mobile Health Unit (MHU) events held throughout Dutchess County. Information about the MHU’s schedule and other helpful services that DCDOH provides is available at the Dutchess County Health Department’s website: dutchessny.gov/health.
