Behind the Scenes in Washington: The Lyme Legislation You Need to Know

What’s actually happening in Washington for Lyme and tick-borne diseases—and does it ever really move the needle?In this episode of the Lyme+ Podcast, host Kenzie Vath sits down with Megan Bradshaw, Government Relations Manager for Center for Lyme Action, to pull back the curtain on how federal funding, legislation, and advocacy campaigns are changing the landscape for Lyme patients and their families.Megan shares her personal “patient-to-advocate” story, how a virtual congressional briefing from her parents’ recliner turned into a full-time mission on Capitol Hill, and why she believes we’re entering the “golden age” of Lyme and tick-borne disease advocacy.Megan Bradshaw is the Government Relations Manager at Center for Lyme Action, where she leads federal advocacy efforts to secure funding and drive policy change for Lyme and tick-borne diseases. A patient herself, Megan channels her lived experience into strategic work on Capitol Hill—coordinating with agencies like HHS, CDC, NIH, and DoD, and helping build one of the largest Lyme advocacy networks in the country.Learn more about Center for Lyme Action and get involved at centerforlymeaction.orgEpisode SponsorsTickTock Naturals — Organic Insect RepellentProtect your crew from ticks, mosquitoes, and spiders—without synthetic chemicals. TickTock Naturals is organic, cruelty-free (PETA-certified), eco-friendly, and designed to last 4–5 hours, even on swim or workout days.👉 Lyme+ listeners get 20% off with code GLA at ticktocknaturals.com.Because prevention is powerful.Vital Plan — Restore 180 by Dr. RawlsRestore 180 is a six-month herbal program designed to support the nervous system, gut repair, and microbial balance—for those focused on sustainable healing, not quick fixes.👉 Learn more at vitalplan.com and look for Restore 180.