Advocate

 photo of Capitol

Join the cause

The Alzheimer’s Association--Greater Richmond Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer advocate. Join us and speak up for the needs and rights of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

Spread the Word!
Share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues who are concerned about Alzheimer issues. To find out more about advocacy opportunities, please contact Leah Kithcart, Public Policy Coordinator, at 717-651-5020, ext. 124 or e-mail: leah.kithcart@alz.org.

Add your voice to ours — become an advocate today.

Act Now


Upcoming events

Join us for Walk to End Alzheimer's.     

What is an advocate?

Alzheimer advocates play an important role in improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families by working to improve dementia care and services; improve access to community-based care; improve quality care in residential settings; and expand funding for research and public programs serving people with dementia.

As an advocate, you will:

  • Receive regular updates about current legislative and public policy issues.
  • Stay on top of policy and legislative issues through alerts and updates.
  • Make calls or write to legislators to forward public policy priorities to improve quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s.

Virginia advocacy

Washington Here We Come!

Join us as we storm Capitol Hill.  Tell Legislators why additional federal funding for Alzheimer's care and research programs is urgently needed.  Call 804-967-2580 for more information.

  • Wednesday, April 24, 2013

National Alzheimer's Project Input Session
The National Alzheimer's Project was created in January 2011 when President Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act into law, after unanimous passage in both the U.S. House and Senate. 

The National Alzheimer's Project requires creation of a national strategic plan to address the rapidly escalating Alzheimer's disease crisis, which will be annually reported to Congress.  NAPA will, for the first time, enable Congress as well as the American people to answer this simple question:  did we make satisfactory progress this past year in the fight against Alzheimer's?

If you have any questions, please contact the Greater Richmond Chapter at 967-2580.

Alzheimer's Advocate Recognition

The Greater Richmond Chapter bestowed Alzheimer's Advocate Awards on November 7, 2012  in celebration of Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.  The recognition took place at a reception at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Those singled out included:  Senator Stephen H. Martin, Dr. Patricia Slattum, and Christy and Donald Talbott.

Senator Stephen H. Martin, who represents Virginia's 11th Senate District, was honored for his efforts to ensure the continuation of the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission.  Senator Martin has always been a principled fighter for the most vulnerable Virginians, lending his voice to their cause.  The year 2012 was no exception.  When the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission was threatened with elimination, Senator Martin stepped forward and ensured that people with dementia and their families will continue to have input into the policies that affect them.

Dr. Patricia Slattum, Associate Professor, VCU School of Pharmacy, was honored for her service to the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission, and her dedication to those with dementia diseases.  Dr. Slattum has a particular interest in Alzheimer's and dementia and presently serves as chair of the Commonwwealth's Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission.  She served for six years on the Board of Directors of the Chapter and during her tenure served as Chair of the Chapter's Program Committee.  She has presented numerous presentations at a variety of educational venues on medication for those with cognitive impairments.  In addition, she has provided consultations for families who are struggling with medication issues with family members.

Donald and Christy Talbott of Gloucester were recognized for their work on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association and in particular their work which has been instrumental in the success and growth of the Gloucester Walk to End Alzheimer's over the last two years.

Don was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer's at age 41.  He and Christy serve on the Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck Advisory Council and Don has served as the Honorary Chairman for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in 2011 and 2012.  He is a leader in the support group for people with dementia and is highly respected and loved by the other members of the group.  Don also assists in the Memories in the Making program at adult day care in Gloucester.  Don's ideas and enthusiasm are contagious.

Christy has been an advocate and a dedicated volunteer for the Gloucester Walk since 2005.  Even when she couldn't share her husband's diagnosis with others, she pursued her Alzheimer's education and began working for the cure.  She is an active member of support groups, education programs and third party fundraisers. Christy cares for many in her community and helps them find the resources and support that they need.  

 

 

Federal advocacy

Back to top