West Antelope Valley residents, from the town councils in Neenach and Antelope Acres to the Municipal Advisory Council in Rosamond, are saying they hope the link between inadequate dust mitigation at utility-scale solar and wind construction sites will be addressed September 23-24 when Congressman Kevin McCarthy hosts a symposium on Valley Fever.

McCarthy’s office has announced a Valley Fever Survivors Reception for survivors with their families and friends at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 at the Kern County Department of Public Health Hans Einstein Center (1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield).

A community forum with Congressman McCarthy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden, MD and National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, MD will follow.

“In our communities, all of us know someone affected by Valley Fever,” said McCarthy, in the announcement. “As we launch this year’s Valley Fever Symposium, we want those that have been affected by this disease to share their personal stories and experiences.”

A full schedule of events will be released shortly, McCarthy’s office promised. Email RSVP.McCarthy@mail.house.gov to attend the reception.

This is part of the August 30, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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