Update DC’s State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's is a large and growing public health crisis requiring a comprehensive response. By engaging state agency officials, caregivers, providers, advocates, and policymakers, the District can identify its unique gaps and needs, and develop a state-specific plan with tailored recommendations to better serve those living with dementia and their families. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on the newly formed Brain Health Advisory Coalition to update its State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and ensure a clear plan for implementation.
Empower First Responders and Adult Protective Services Workers with Dementia Training
First responders and Adult Protective Services (APS) workers are critical to the health and safety of people living with Alzheimer’s. They frequently interact with individuals who have dementia in a variety of settings and are among the first to observe instances of abuse and neglect. Without proper training on how to recognize the signs of dementia and how to effectively communicate with people with dementia, situations may escalate quickly with potentially dangerous consequences. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on the DC Council to support forthcoming legislation to require dementia for first responders to educate these professionals on understanding specific behavior symptoms, effective communication strategies, protocols for contacting caregivers and available local resources.
District of Columbia State Plan Overview
In 2012 the District of Columbia Office on Aging (DCOA) established a workgroup of community partners and stakeholders throughout the District to develop an Alzheimer's plan. In 2013, the District of Columbia State Plan on Alzheimer's Disease 2014-2019 was published to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer's disease and improve access to benefits for those affected within the District. Legislation enacted in 2019 created the role of the Dementia Services Coordinator in the DC Department of Health and is tasked with implementing and updating the District’s State Alzheimer’s Plan.
District of Columbia State Advocacy Day
May 16, 2022
Join fellow Alzheimer’s advocates in the District of Columbia on May 16th, 2022 to share your story, and help explain why dementia training matters. We will, COVID-permitting, gather in the Wilson Building to hear from elected officials and other Association partners, and explain why the Council must continue to lead for District residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Never advocated before? No problem! We’ll train you and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions before meeting with state officials.
