The Alzheimer’s Association, formed in 1980, is the country’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to continue to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by driving risk reduction and early detection, and by advancing vital, global research regarding treatment and prevention in it’s continuing efforts to find a cure.
The association is currently the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical research and care initiatives at both the state and federal levels.
SERVICES PROVIDED
■ Information and Referral. The association provides basic disease information, referrals to community resources and providers, and support for persons living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, their families and the general public.
■ Care Consultation. The association assists individuals and families in planning for and coping with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Care consultations may include an assessment of needs and safety, emotional support and information on available resources.
■ Education Programs. The association offers a variety of credible, evidence-informed education programs and training for caregivers, the general public and professionals.
■ 24/7 Helpline. The association offers around-the-clock support for families. Trained dementia care experts are ready to listen and assist with referrals to local community programs and services, dementia-related education, crisis assistance and emotional support.
■ COVID Messaging. The association has successfully transitioned its support groups, education programs and family care consultations to a virtual format — through either phone or live video delivery — to ensure uninterrupted care and support services to local families. The number of support groups statewide and programs specific to addressing concerns regarding COVID-19 and caregiving have also been increased.
ADVOCACY & SUPPORT
The COVID-19 pandemic presents additional challenges, especially financial, for more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, the research community and the nonprofits serving these vulnerable populations. The pandemic will continue to challenge health systems across the nation and affect decisions such as care planning. But thankfully, Congress can act to help the Alzheimer’s and dementia community by including provisions to support the community during this crisis. These key provisions include:
• $354 million for Alzheimer’s research activities at the National Institutes of Health
• $20 million to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which will establish centers of excellence that expand and promote the evidence base for effective population-based interventions to improve dementia outcomes
Contact Sen. Brian Schatz and Congressman Ed Case and ask them for their continued support. Also ask them to gain the support of other members of Congress regarding these provisions.
Sign up online and encourage others to become Alzheimer’s Association volunteers at www.alz.org/advocate or by calling 800-272-3900.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION
Online Community: www.alzconnected.org
Online Education: www.training.alz.org
Support Groups & Programs: www.alz.org/hawaii
24/7 HELPLINE: 800-272-3900
Hawai‘i Office: 808-591-2771
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