Enact Dementia Training Standards for Ohio's First Responders
First responders 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 Ohio legislators to approve House Bill 23 to require competency-based dementia training for law enforcement officers and other first responders during their certification process and as part of their continuing education requirements. The training will help Ohio's first responders identify a person with dementia symptoms, educate first responders on strategies to effectively communicate with individuals living with dementia and understand appropriate responses to dementia-related behaviors.
Publish and Implement the Ohio Alzheimer's and Other Dementia State Plan
In 2019, Ohio passed SB 24 establishing the Ohio Alzheimer's and Other Dementia State Task Force. This group of Ohioans is tasked with creating an Alzheimer's State Plan which is the blueprint for outlining the state government’s response to Alzheimer’s. The task force is focused on Early Detection, Prevention, Public Awareness opportunities, Workforce, Community, and advancing Public Policy. The Alzheimer's Association will continue to advocate for a comprehensive plan and for the plan to be implemented in 2022 and beyond.
Ohio State Plan Overview
Following the enactment of S.B. 24 in 2019, Ohio created the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementias Task Force which will be responsible for creating Ohio’s first State Alzheimer’s Plan. The Task Force is charged with conducting a needs assessment and examining opportunities around public health, early detection and diagnosis, workforce, home and community-based services and quality of care. A plan is anticipated to be published in August of 2021.
Ohio State Advocacy Day
April 06, 2022
The 2022 State Advocacy Day is the premier advocacy event for the Alzheimer's Association in Ohio. Join us in urging state policymakers to advance critical Alzheimer’s legislation and other key initiatives.
