On December 15, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hosted a groundbreaking roundtable on Lyme disease—marking a significant shift in how our nation’s health agencies approach this often-misunderstood condition.
The event, held in Washington, D.C., brought together patients, clinicians, researchers, and legislators, with thousands more tuning in via livestream. For many in the Lyme community, it represented something they’d been waiting years to see: federal recognition and validation.
A Personal Connection to Change
Secretary Kennedy opened the discussion by acknowledging what many patients have experienced firsthand: “For many years, this agency had a deliberate policy to refuse to engage with the Lyme community.”
His commitment to change isn’t just political—it’s deeply personal. Kennedy shared that multiple members of his family, including himself, have battled Lyme disease, with one of his sons dealing with chronic Lyme for years.
Perhaps most significantly, Kennedy declared that “the gaslighting of Lyme patients is now over”. Words that resonated powerfully with those who’ve felt dismissed or disbelieved by the medical system.
Who Was at the Table
The roundtable featured voices from both the political and medical communities:
Legislators:
- Maine Senator Susan Collins
- Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith
- New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith
Medical Experts:
- Dr. Steve Phillips, co-author of Chronic
- Dr. Robert Bransfield, psychiatrist specializing in Lyme’s mental health impacts
- Dr. Linden Hu, former co-chair of the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group
- MIT researcher Michal Tal, conducting crucial research on how Lyme affects women
Patient Advocates:
- Olivia Goodreau of the LivLyme Foundation
- College student Sam Sofie, sharing his personal Lyme journey
Key Announcements
Secretary Kennedy emphasized that “For decades, Americans suffering from Lyme disease have been denied the accurate diagnostics and meaningful care they deserve. Today’s actions push us decisively toward reliable testing and treatment grounded in the real-world experiences of patients.”
Major developments announced include:
The LymeX Innovation Accelerator renewal: This public-private partnership with the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, originally launched in 2020, is the largest initiative of its kind focused on transforming diagnostic testing for Lyme disease.
New HHS Lyme disease resource page: HHS has launched a dedicated webpage at hhs.gov/lyme to centralize information and resources.
What Patients Need Most
The roundtable focused on critical gaps in Lyme disease care:
- More accurate and accessible diagnostic testing
- Evidence-based treatment options that acknowledge chronic manifestations
- Widespread medical community recognition of the full spectrum of Lyme-related symptoms
- Insurance coverage for comprehensive Lyme care
- Coordinated care across specialties
The Path Forward
This roundtable marks an important first step. At Forum Health, we’ve long understood what many in conventional medicine are just beginning to acknowledge: Lyme disease is complex, often chronic, and requires a comprehensive, individualized approach to care. Our functional medicine practitioners work with patients to address not just the infection itself, but the full range of symptoms and systemic impacts that can result from tick-borne illness.
If you’re struggling with Lyme disease or suspect you might have it, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team can help you access proper testing, develop a personalized treatment plan, and provide the coordinated care you deserve.
Ready to work with a team that understands Lyme disease? Schedule a consultation with one of our functional medicine practitioners.
Additional Resources:
Identifying Lyme Disease: “The Great Mimicker”
Download Guide: Navigating Lyme Disease with Functional and Integrative Medicine
