Support Legislation to Update the Washington State Alzheimer’s Plan
After passing the 2014 bill to create the State Alzheimer’s Plan, the legislature tasked the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) with implementing the plan’s recommendations. In the five years since publication in 2016, the DAC has made great strides, from developing a legal planning toolkit for families to educating primary care providers about Alzheimer’s disease. Now, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on legislators to support legislation to codify the Dementia Action Collaborative and ensure the State Alzheimer’s Plan is updated regularly.
Washington State Plan Overview
In March 2014, Governor Jay Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 6124 charging the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to convene a prescribed membership for an Alzheimer's Disease Working Group (ADWG) to develop a Washington State Plan to address Alzheimer's disease. The working group contains stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, including professional and unpaid caregivers, persons with Alzheimer's disease, and experts from many different parts of the medical field. SSB 6124 did not provide designated funding, so DSHS stretched existing funding and resources to meet the legislative requirement. $110,000 of federal Older Americans Act Administrative funds were used to fund facilitator and meeting costs. The Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias was published in January 2016. Leading the charge to implement the plan is the Dementia Action Collaborative - a group of public-private partners committed to preparing Washington State for the growth of the dementia population.
Washington State Advocacy Day
February 09, 2022
Please join fellow Alzheimer’s advocates for an exciting day of virtual advocacy asking lawmakers to support legislation to update our Alzheimer's State Plan and increase services to families affected by dementia! On the morning of February 9th, we will provide an informational briefing on our priorities and how to best share your story with your legislators. We will also host an optional advocacy training on February 4th for those advocates who want to get an early start on preparation. Please wear purple to show unity in our virtual efforts!
