Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association

Protecting Coloradans from Tick-Borne Diseases Starts with Awareness. 

A tick bite can change a life in an instant. Awareness, prevention, early diagnosis, and access to appropriate care can change the outcome.

Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the United States, and ticks can transmit numerous other pathogens that cause serious illness. Tick bites can also trigger Alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergic condition. For individuals and families affected by these illnesses, the consequences can be devastating—impacting health, livelihoods, and quality of life.

In Colorado, critical gaps in research, surveillance, medical education, and access to care leave too many people searching for answers and support. That’s why the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association (COTBDAA) exists. And we have been helping to fill these gaps for 10 years!

Founded in 2016, COTBDAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting people, pets, and communities through education, prevention, research, advocacy, and patient support. We serve patients and families, medical professionals, educators, outdoor workers, recreationists, and others across Colorado and beyond.

Your Support Can Make a Life-Changing Difference.

Your Colorado Gives donation helps advance our mission to:

• Educate and empower Coloradans with practical, science-informed information about tick-borne disease prevention, risks, and symptoms.
• Improve early and accurate diagnosis by helping medical providers recognize and understand Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
• Expand access to resources and support for patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and the challenges of chronic illness.
• Advance research and surveillance to close critical knowledge gaps about ticks, the pathogens they carry, and the risks facing our communities.
• Champion change through advocacy to strengthen awareness, prevention, medical education, and public health efforts throughout Colorado. 

Why This Work Matters Now.

For years, limited tick surveillance and gaps in medical education have made it difficult to fully understand Colorado's tick-borne disease risks. COTBDAA has advocated for stronger statewide surveillance and greater awareness to help address these challenges. Progress is possible—but there is more work to do. Prevention remains our first line of defense, and timely, appropriate medical care can make a critical difference when illness occurs. Patients also need reliable information, compassionate support, and access to providers who understand the complexities of these conditions.
No one should have to navigate a potentially life-altering illness without answers, resources, or support. 

Give Today. Help Protect Tomorrow.

Your generosity helps turn awareness into action—and action into hope.

When you give to COTBDAA through Colorado Gives, you help equip communities with prevention resources, support patients and families, strengthen medical education, and advocate for the research and public health initiatives Colorado needs.

Together, we can build a future where fewer people and animals are affected by tick-borne diseases, more patients receive timely and appropriate care, and every Coloradan has access to the knowledge and support they deserve.

Please give today. Help us make every bite count toward greater awareness, stronger prevention, and better outcomes.

COTBDAA is celebrating 10 years of advocacy in 2026!