Update New Mexico’s State Plan for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of death in New Mexico and an urgent public health crisis. The New Mexico State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias was released in 2013 with a progress report update issued in 2017. Now, it is time for the state to undertake a comprehensive update to the State Plan . The need for this update is reinforced by our state's aging population and the gaps in our health care and long-term care systems, which have been further highlighted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The Alzheimer’s Association will urge state policymakers to convene all public and private stakeholders as a first step in developing a new State Alzheimer’s Plan.
New Mexico State Plan Overview
In 2012, the Alzheimer's Disease Task Force established by House Memorial 20 was convened by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department to assess the impact of, and make recommendations for, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias within the state. The Task Force was comprised of leaders of state agencies, health care providers, caregivers, individuals living with the disease, as well as representatives from academia and tribal organizations. After collecting input from public town hall meetings to gather plan recommendations, the Task Force published the New Mexico State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in 2013.
In 2014, the state established the State Dementia Plan Leadership Team and the Office of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care within the NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department. The Leadership Team worked to determine priorities and establish subcommittees to oversee state plan implementation. In 2016, a larger group of stakeholders was convened to analyze current dementia related data and assess the state’s progress on State Plan implementation ultimately producing the 2017 State Plan Update.
New Mexico State Advocacy Day
February 16, 2021
Join fellow Alzheimer’s advocates for an exciting day of virtual advocacy urging New Mexico policymakers to support people with dementia and their families. The New Mexico Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day is an opportunity to meet with your state legislators, share your story and advocate for statewide policy change to improve the care, support and services for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia and the people caring for them. This special event will include training on engaging state legislators, a discussion with legislators and state government officials on the importance of addressing key Alzheimer’s policy issues and stories from volunteer advocates who have been instrumental in recent legislative victories. By lending your voice, you can make a difference in influencing change for New Mexico’s Alzheimer’s and dementia population!
