Mayor's Housing Taskforce launches tick safety campaign for unsheltered population

LACONIA — The Mayor's Housing Task Force in Laconia is launching a tick safety campaign to protect the city’s unsheltered population, as people have already reported tick sightings across the state. With support from the Partnership for Public Health, The Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties and Navigating Recovery, the campaign aims to educate and equip individuals to stay safe from tick-borne illnesses.

The unseasonably warm winter means that ticks have not died off as usual, leading experts to predict a higher tick population in the coming months. Understanding the vulnerability of the unsheltered population, the Mayor's Housing Taskforce has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of those living outdoors.

"We are committed to the health and safety of all our residents, including those who are unsheltered," said Daisy Pierce, Mayor’s Housing Task Force chair and executive director of Navigating Recovery. "With the increased risk of tick-borne illnesses this year, we must equip people with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves."

One of the key initiatives of the campaign involves the distribution of tick removers by outreach workers. These simple and effective tools allow individuals to remove ticks safely should they find one attached to their skin. Outreach workers from partner organizations, such as PPH, CAPBM and Navigating Recovery, will be providing demonstrations on how to use these tick removers properly.

“Our outreach teams are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all members of our community, especially those facing homelessness," said Freeman Toth, housing stabilization & homeless outreach manager at CAPBM. "We are proud to be part of this campaign to provide essential tools and knowledge that can make a significant difference in preventing tick-borne illnesses."

In addition to tick remover distribution, the campaign will focus on educating individuals on how to perform thorough tick checks. This includes checking clothing and skin after spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are commonly found.

"Prevention is key when it comes to tick-borne illnesses," said Tammy Carmichael, executive director of the Partnership for Public Health. "By encouraging regular tick checks and providing the means to remove ticks safely, we can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses."

The campaign will also highlight tips on how to spot and avoid ticks, such as wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellent with DEET and staying on trails when walking through wooded areas.

For more information, laconianh.gov.