Alzheimer's Association CEO Wants Public Policy Advocates Nationwide
Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, recently posted a blog that caught my attention. The Alzheimer's Association is planning an ambitious Public Policy Forum to take place March 23-25, 2009 in Washington, DC and he wants you to attend. In fact, Johns is hoping to have at least one person from every single congressional district in the United States attend the Public Policy Forum in order to really make some noise about the need for more Alzheimer's funding, research, and services.Johns opened his blog by stating, "It is possible that there has never been a moment in America with so much potential to either advance or diminish Alzheimer's research and care." I wholeheartedly agree. As President Obama stated in his address tonight, "the day of reckoning has arrived" and it's time for America to rebuild and recover. Parts of the stimulus plan and future health care reform could make a difference in the lives of those touched by Alzheimer's disease. Will part of this nation's rebuilding and recovery include attention to one of our largest looming health crises -- the projected rise of Alzheimer's disease among our nation's seniors and the devastating financial toll that will ensue?
You can do something about it. As Johns wrote, "We need people with the disease, their caregivers, health care professionals, business leaders, and scientists to raise their voices and educate our policy makers so they know that an investment in Alzheimer's is an investment in the economic health of the nation and the personal health of millions."
Attend the Public Policy Forum next month and raise your voice.
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Comments
Hi Carrie,
I just wanted to thank you for all the wonderful information you supply. I love getting your blog and the DC Forum is so important for people to know about. I’ve decided to go this year and can’t wait to get there. I have a Mother 81 who has Alzheimer’s disease. The process has changed life and has driven me to change my career path and get out and speak and even write a book. It’s time for the world to realize the massive needs, the ripple affect this disease has. The psychological impact on families/society as a whole has to be dealt with. Bankrupting our healthcare system is one thing, but bankrupting our souls is another. Are you going to be in Washington? I would love to meet you if you are.
I hope it is ok with you that I have added your blog to a new website of mine called Alzheimer’s Speaks (www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com). I have you listed under great reads.
My goal is to push people in need to services that will assist them in dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. This is free site. Please feel free to send me any resources you feel would be a good fit.
Thanks again for al you do!
Lori,
Thanks so much for your comment and for your wonderful advocacy! I will not be able to attend the forum in DC but they will be very lucky to have you there. Thank you for the link to this blog; I will add your site to my list of resources for caregivers. Best of luck and let us know what happened at the forum!
- Carrie