POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and to spread awareness and promote prevention methods, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) are once again hosting “Tackling Ticks on the Big Screen” This free, family-friendly night will include a screening of DreamWorks Animation’s “Wild Robot” on Wednesday, May 21 at the Overlook Drive-in Theater, 126 DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie. Gates will open at 6:30pm with the movie beginning at sunset. Registration is required and is available online at dutchessny.gov/tickmovie.
This time of year means everyone is outside more, unfortunately that also means more exposure to ticks,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “To protect our children and families, it’s important to remember easy ways to avoid Lyme Disease and other tick related illnesses. We encourage everyone to come out, learn a few tips on how to stay tick free and kick back to enjoy a great family-friendly movie.”
At the event, representatives from DCDOH will provide valuable tick information, discuss prevention techniques and share giveaways like tick removal kits and tick coloring books.
“For years, ticks and tick-borne diseases have been a significant public health concern in Dutchess County and throughout New York State with numerous tick species and diseases found in our area,” said Dutchess County Commissioner of Health Livia Santiago-Rosado. “This event is a great way to educate yourself on how to prevent tick bites and what to do if bitten, as these are key to avoiding tick borne diseases. We hope many will attend and take advantage of these valuable resources.”
Admission to the movie is free, and concessions will be available to purchase.
The Dutchess County Department of Health offers tick education year-round with frequent education opportunities available at their Mobile Health Unit events throughout the county. To learn more about these services as well as others the department offers visit dutchessny.gov/health.
