Speak up for the needs and rights of people with Alzheimer’s and their families, and help persuade Congress to address those needs through legislative action!

On August 27, in the chapel at Providence Mount St. Vincent, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, the Alzheimer’s Association, Western and Central Washington State Chapter will hold a town hall meeting to highlight—and solicit feedback on—public policy initiatives, including the National Alzheimer’s Plan, an Alzheimer’s Disease Plan for Washington State, and Voices for Better Health in Washington State, a new initiative to improve health care for “dual eligibles”, older and disabled Washingtonians who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

The town hall will include a panel reflecting the breadth and depth of the Alzheimer’s experience. Federal, state, and local elected officials and/or staff are welcome to participate. The Alzheimer’s Association’s objective is to educate the public, solicit input, and provide an opportunity for the public to interact with elected leaders. All public input will be recorded and used to inform the Association’s work in advancing public policy priorities to better meet the needs of the individuals, families, and communities they serve.

Washington State residents, including those living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, representatives from federal, state and local government as well as the research, health and long-term care communities are invited to come and share their thoughts. Other town halls are scheduled for Issaquah, Sequim, Everett, Lacey, Renton, Mount Vernon, Vancouver, Spokane, the Tri-Cities (Richland), Bremerton, and Yakima.

Currently, Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in Washington State and 6th nationally. More than 150,000 Washingtonians have Alzheimer’s and over 350,000 family members and friends provided approximately 368 million hours of unpaid care in 2012. In 2050, care for those with Alzheimer’s disease will cost the country more than $1 trillion, creating an enormous strain on the health care system, families, and federal and state budgets. Recognizing this growing crisis, the nation’s first ever National Alzheimer’s Plan was unveiled in May 2012 and now this plan must be swiftly and effectively implemented.

To learn more about a Town Hall taking place in a community near you, visit www.alzwa.org/

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.