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Board discusses worsening tick season, outreach and buying tick‑removal kits for community events
Summary
Board members and public‑health staff said Tompkins County is seeing an early and intensified tick season and discussed buying fine‑tipped tweezers and distributing kits at outreach events (Ithaca Festival, fairs) using braided funding and partner networks (Cornell, CMC, Finger Lakes Land Trust).
Board members and staff told the Tompkins County Board of Health they are observing an early and active tick season and discussed steps to expand public education and distribute tick‑removal kits.
An agency official (S8) said the department has seen an "uptick" in ticks and staff asked whether the county could braid funding to buy kits for outreach across multiple partners. Board members suggested distribution at community events such as the Ithaca Festival and partner sites including Cornell and community clinics.
One board member noted historical limits on using state aid to purchase giveaway items and said the county used to receive kits from the state; staff said they will check whether that support can be restored or whether the county must purchase kits independently.
Participants discussed practical distribution channels: outreach tables, fairs, land‑trust volunteer events, and provider communications (doctor bulletins). Staff highlighted creative outreach tactics, including a public‑facing activity ("spot the tick" bagels) used at prior events to encourage attention to tick awareness.
Why it matters: earlier tick seasons and increased tick bites raise the risk of tick‑borne disease to residents and outdoor workers; expanding easy access to tick‑removal tools and clear prevention messaging can reduce risk.
What’s next: staff will explore braided funding options, check state availability for free kits, and plan distribution at upcoming outreach events.
