LDA RI Chapter Conference Great Success!

The recent conference on 9/16/11 at Bryant University in Rhode Island, presented by the LDA RI Chapter, entitled “The Impact of Lyme Disease on the Brain: Implications for Mental Health Practitioners” was a great success. There were 170 registrants, mostly professionals. Psychologists, social workers, scientists, physicians, and other healthcare related professionals were in attendance. Post conference feedback was very positive. Speakers included Robert Bransfield, MD, Sandy Berenbaum, LCSW, BCD, Sheila Statlender, PhD, Judy Leventhal, PhD, and Denise Lang-Grant, EdS, LPC.

Barbara Morse Silva, NBC 10, and Julie Merolla, LICSW, Chair, LDA, Rhode Island Chapter moderated the program. Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at Bryant University, and Dr. David Lux, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bryant University, welcomed conference participants to the university. Sponsors included NBC 10, The Apple Pickers Foundation, Bryant University, The National Association of Social Workers RI Chapter, Providence Rotaries Charity Foundation, and Providence Sir Speedy.

Tom Rolin, RI Chapter LDA volunteer spoke on behalf of Patricia Smith, President, Lyme Disease Association, Inc. Katie Rolin, high school senior, relayed the devastating effects that Lyme Disease has had on her family and what it has taught her. Congressman James Langevin reiterated his support and indicated that he is a cosponsor of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act of 2011.

Participant survey evaluations indicated that practitioners learned more about the complexities of this disease and rated the conference as an excellent learning experience.

TV VIDEO Clip Turnto10.Com, Providence, RI – Health Check: Lyme disease conference

Remarks of Pat Smith, LDA President, spoken on her behalf at conference.