May 18, 2026 3:05 a.m. 

A free community Lyme Disease Awareness and Prevention Event will take place on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Phoenix Charter School in Roseburg.

Organizer Julie Masner, the purpose of the event is to help to bring awareness to Lyme disease, which is an often difficult-to-diagnose illness that can significantly impact individuals and families physically, neurologically, emotionally and financially if not recognized early. Masner said the goal is to help educate the community on prevention, early symptom recognition, and available support resources – especially within rural and outdoor communities where exposure risk may be higher.

The event will include:

*Educational Lyme disease and prevention information

*Bilingual outreach materials in English and Spanish

*Wellness and anti-inflammatory nutrition guidance

*Guest Lyme specialist Dr. Kaitlynn Bronte

*Community wellness partnerships

*WOWTruck smoothie station through Thundering Water

*Youth engagement and awareness activities

*Local community organizations and business participation

The initiative is being supported in partnership with Thundering Water and Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, along with several local businesses, educators, coaches, families, and volunteers throughout the community.

For more information on the event, call 760-457-5723.