Back in March, volunteer advocates headed to Juneau to raise their voice about Alzheimer’s in Alaska and urge elected officals to support vital legislation to support not only those facing Alzheimer’s but their caregivers, as well.
Our advocates know first hand the impact that Alzheimer’s has on a family and they also know the impact we can have when we raise our voices. “Advocacy shows our legislators that addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementias is a central concern to their constituents. Letters, e-mail and phone calls are important, but in-person visits to the Capitol underscore the importance,” says Josh Lonn, Alzheimer’s Association Board Chair & Advocate.
Listen to the original song written and recorded by long time, Alaskan Legislature staffer, Dave written from the perspecive of someone with Alzheimer’s:
Meeting face to face with our representatives gives us the opportunity share our legislative priorities, our personal stories that drive our dedication to making a change and connect with others who have had to face this horrible disease. “It is great to have the opportunity to meet with our legislators to share our personal stories and why their support matters to Alaskans. Most legistarors or their staff, unforutnaly, also have a personal connetion to Alzheimer’s or other dementia. I am excited for the opputunites in our State to make a difference in the lives of caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s,” says volunteer advocate and incoming board chair, Sherri Roberds.
We need to continue to raise our voice and advocate for change in Alaska. Every person, every story and every voice helps raise awareness about the urgency of the Alzheimer’s crisis in Alaska. Your experience and your story matters!
If you’d like to learn more about our state’s advocacy priorities, you can visit https://alzimpact.org/. This tool makes it easy to find ways to get involved and identify the elected official that represents you. We encourage you to join us and volunteer to advocate in the fight to #ENDALZ!
Together, we can help the over 8,400 Alaskans living with Alzheimer’s and their families. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Next week, hundred of volunteers from around the country, including advocates from across Alaska, will head to Washington D.C. to continue raising awarness and urging our representative to support critical legislature that will help families facing Alzheimer’s in Alaska and across the nation. Learn more at https://www.alz.org/forum/overview.asp
ALZ Alaska Blog 
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