Wallen, Policy Committee to Host Hearing on Tick-borne Diseases in Pennsylvania

September 1, 2026

WHAT: House Republican Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), Rep. Catherine Wallen (R-Adams/Cumberland), and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Ticked Off: Increasing Pennsylvanians’ Awareness of Tick-Borne Diseases” to examine the rise of tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania and how the Legislature can promote access, awareness, and education surrounding this public health crisis.

WHO: Testifiers will include Dr. Erika Machtinger, extension educator for the vector-borne disease team, Penn State Extension; Kaitlyn Goode, data visualization specialist, Center for Rural Pennsylvania; Dr. Nicole Chinnici, director, PA Tick Research Lab at East Stroudsburg University; Dr. Rebecca Speelman, patient with Lyme; and Kami Noel, parent of child with Lyme.

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Adams County Penn State Extension, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325

LIVESTREAM: Barring any technical difficulties, the hearing will be streamed online at policycommittee.com.

Media contact: Nancy Nilson, nnilson@pahousegop.com