In 2011, the West Virginia legislature directed and funded the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the needs, challenges and issues facing West Virginians living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 38. Three work groups spearheaded development of policy and program recommendations to improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s in West Virginia. The work groups included health care providers, families impacted by Alzheimer’s, public health officials, state legislators, and researchers as well as representatives from local businesses, long-term care providers, state agencies and community organizations. In December 2011, the state Alzheimer’s plan, Make a Plan for Alzheimer’s in West Virginia, was published to serve as an essential guide for policymakers.

Reauthorize the Alzheimer’s State Plan Advisory Council

Following tremendous advocacy, state lawmakers passed legislation establishing the West Virginia Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Advisory Council. With the recent establishment of the Dementia Services Director position, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state policymakers to reauthorize the Advisory Council to ensure continued support for the State Dementia Services Director and to ensure the effective implementation of the State Dementia Plan.