More than 140,000 Georgia residents are living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias with the total predicted to increase to 190,000 by 2025. This is why, on February 5, 2019, the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter will have more than 200 advocates from across the state including advocates from Augusta  and the surrounding area, will meet with legislators at the Georgia State Capitol to encourage support of several critical issues for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers for 2019 including:

• $350,000 for a State-Wide Public Awareness Campaign on Alzheimer's and Other Dementias--to include risk factors, warning signs, and the need for an early, accurate diagnosis.  Requesting that funding be placed in the Georgia Department of Public Health's budget, since Alzheimer's is a public health crisis, and Public Health is expert on doing these types of campaigns.

• Supporting the Georgia Council on Aging in asking for the creation of a study committee to explore creative solutions to helping seniors, including those living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, to live in the most appropriate setting for them based on their care needs rather than on their financial status.

• Supporting the Georgia Council on Aging request for $10 million for non-Medicaid Home and Community Based Services--to provide support services to keep individuals in their home longer prior to nursing home placement.

“The Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter has made much progress in achieving our legislative goals over the past twelve years--but that would not have happened without our volunteer advocates”, added Kathy Simpson, Public Policy Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter.  “Having advocates from all across Georgia, constituents of the various legislators--especially our legislative champions--come to the Capitol on Alzheimer's Awareness Day to share their personal stories and connect those stories to the issues we bring makes all of the difference in the world--our dedicated, committed advocates make it happen”, added Simpson.