More than 300 people from around Ohio converged on the Statehouse last Thursday for a day of advocacy and camaraderie around more support for Alzheimer’s funding and legislation.
Ohio Memory Day 2019 brought carloads and busloads of caregivers, those living with the disease, and other advocates to Columbus to talk with Ohio legislators and to share their stories as a way to show support for Alzheimer’s-related funding. The 2019 legislative state priorities are:
- To support the creation and implementation of a state plan to address Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- To protect the Alzheimer’s Respite Line Item (490-414) and its continuing support of Alzheimer’s Association programs and services in Ohio.
- To support future legislation requiring competency-base dementia training for care providers.
Trey Addison, Ohio Public Policy Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, said, “With the number of Ohioans aged 65 and over with Alzheimer’s disease expected to increase, the fact that we do not have a comprehensive Alzheimer’s State Plan hurts Ohio families and the more than 220,000 Ohioans with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association thanks Senator Steve Wilson and Senator Kenny Yuko for their leadership regarding Senate Bill 24, which will establish a task force to create an Alzheimer’s State Plan, and put together best practices to serve Ohio’s most vulnerable. Our staff and volunteer advocates plan to work as hard as we can to ensure this plan is enacted. Memory Day is the perfect opportunity for legislators to connect with advocates and understand this disease and why it’s important we work together.”
This is the 21st year for Ohio Memory Day. About 30 advocates from the Miami Valley participated. Ursel McElroy, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, told the advocates to “be bold and unapologetic” in talking to legislators and that she reaffirms the support of the Ohio Department of Aging in this key fight.
To learn more about advocating for the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org/dayton
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