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.
   

Iowa Advocacy

Upcoming Events

Advocacy Priorities

Call to Action:
The Alzheimer's Association urges legislators to support legislation to establish an Alzheimer's Disease Coordinator Position and Multidisciplinary Advisory Group within the Iowa Department of Public Health.  The position and advisory group are necessary to provide coordination of public/private partnerships in a fragmented system that is currently minimally responsive to individual and family needs.

Alzheimer's Disease Response Strategy
The Alzheimer's Disease Response Strategy was delivered to the Iowa General Assembly on November 15, 2011.  The strategy was established by a workgroup, in response to the Iowa General Assembly's passage of House File 390.  One of the guiding principles of the workgroup was to start building Iowa's foundation to prepare for long-term investments and comprehensive supports for Alzheimer's disease in the future.

Where We Stand Today - Human Services Appropriations Bill (SF 446)
The Iowa Senate has debated and approved Senate Fil 2270, which calls Iowa to create a comperehensive Alzheimer's disease response strategy.  Senator Liz Mathis of Robins, who floor-managed the legislation, and Senator Daryl Beall of Fort Dodge spoke. 

Iowa's ALzheimers Disease Response Strategy language was placed in the Human Services Appropriations bill (SF 446).  Along with the language, there was an appropriation of $140,000 to cover the costs of the legislation.  Unfortunately, the Alzheimer's Disease Reponse Strategy was not placed in the final version of the conference committee and did not pass the legislative session.  We are disappointed, but will bring the bill before the 2014 Legislature in January.

 
The strategy will consolidate Alzheimer's activities under the Department of Public Health, hire a coordinator, and establish a task force to fight Alzheimer's disease. There is also an appropriation of $140,000 to pay for the coordinator and related activities.

A new study just released by the New England Journal of Medicine reports that Alzheimer's disease is now the most expensive disease in the U.S., surpassing both cancer and heart disease, and the costs are expected to skyrocket. It is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent it, cure it or even slow its progression and is the fifth leading cause of death in Iowa.  

There are 69,000 Iowans with Alzheimer's disease and by 2025, the number will increase to 77,000. We need a structure in place to fight this disease and the Alzheimer's Disease Response Strategy is the first step to help thousands of Iowans suffering from Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

 Read the 2013 Iowa Public Policy Priorityy 
 

Illinois Advocacy

Upcoming Events

Please check back for upcoming Illinois advocacy events.

Advocacy Priorities

For more information on Illinois public policy issues and updates, please visit the Greater Illinois Chapter Advocacy Page.

Read the 2013 Illinois Public Policy Priorities
 

Federal Advocacy

Upcoming Events

Please check back for upcoming national advocacy events.

Advocacy Priorities

National Alzheimer's Project
On May 15, 2012, the first ever National Alzheimer's Plan was released by the Administration with the important goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's by 2025.  Your efforts got us here.  You signed the petition, advocated on Capitol Hill, and told officials that Alzheimer's couldn't wait.  Your voices were heard.  Thank you!

Read the National Alzheimer's Plan here

Federal Update

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