'07 Public Policy Forum: Advocates in Action

On March 20, Chapter Board Member Nora Gibson joined hundreds of advocates from across the nation for the 19th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. 

The event coincided with the nationally publicized release of the Association’s 2007 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which reveals that more than 5 million people are now living with the disease in the United States. The report also details the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals and families; federal, state and local governments; the healthcare system; and the economy. Click here to view the full report. 

During the course of the day, Forum participants stormed Capitol Hill to garner support and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The House and Senate office buildings were filled with volunteer advocates wearing purple Alzheimer's Association sashes. More than 500 live and 1,800 virtual visits were made to urge lawmakers to increase federal funding for Alzheimer research and programs.

In addition, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) convened a subcommittee hearing on Alzheimer’s disease that highlighted the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2007 and the Family Assistance Act of 2007. The legislation seeks to double Alzheimer's research funding at the National Institutes of Health, expand brain health promotion activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and continue funding Alzheimer's support programs. 

The Chapter will continue to provide updates and action alerts related to Alzheimer’s legislation. For more information on how to join the cause and become an Alzheimer’s advocate click here or contact Margaux Gillespie at margaux.gillespie@alz.org.