Volunteer for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!

https://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/volunteer/default_ssl.asp

It’s that time of year again, and the Alzheimer’s Association® , Greater Illinois Chapter is currently recruiting volunteers for various job roles at 17 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events throughout our 68-county service area.
As the nation’s largest Alzheimer’s event approaches, we would not be successful without the help of our amazing volunteers who help us move our mission forward.
Our volunteers help with many different aspects of the walk, from event day set-up to informing participants about the Alzheimer’s Association advocacy efforts to guiding walkers along the designated route.

Volunteer today >>

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

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Illinois residents want increased state funding for Alzheimer’s care: Survey

http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/survey_results/2013/index.asp

A total of 736 Illinois residents from 64 counties recently participated in an online survey for the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Plan, and the results are eye-opening.
The findings, which will be shared with the Illinois Department of Public Health, state that fewer than half of all survey respondents were familiar with programs and services offered by the state for those with Alzheimer’s and their families and an overwhelming 85% felt the state should spend more money funding programs that provide Alzheimer’s care.
These results are critical as they will guide recommendations put forth by the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee. Comprised of Alzheimer’s experts, researchers, physicians and others, the committee is responsible for advising legislators and state agencies on Illinois’ response to the growing health crisis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Download the full report >>

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

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http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/july2013/advocate.asp

After the July 4th weekend, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee will determine whether or not it will allocate $100 million in federal funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and caregiver supports to begin the implementation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan Act (NAPA) in the 2014 budget. We are fortunate to have both our U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk on that Committee and we need your help to get their support.
Government investment in medical research is a critical step in building a foundation for disease treatments and a cure. For every $27,000 the federal government spends on care for those with Alzheimer’s disease, it only spends $100 on research.

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After the July 4th weekend, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee will determine whether or not it will allocate $100 million in federal funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and caregiver supports to begin the implementation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan Act (NAPA) in the 2014 budget. We are fortunate to have both our U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk on that Committee and we need your help to get their support.
Government investment in medical research is a critical step in building a foundation for disease treatments and a cure. For every $27,000 the federal government spends on care for those with Alzheimer’s disease, it only spends $100 on research. This level of funding is woefully inadequate and does not reflect the escalating national epidemic this disease has become.
Please take a moment today to call 1-800-687-3813 and tell either Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) or Mark Kirk (R-IL) that smart investments in Alzheimer’s disease now will not only save millions of lives in the future, but will be key to addressing our nation’s fiscal challenges. After speaking with the first senator’s office, please dial 1-800-687-3813 a second time to speak with the other Illinois lawmaker.
Message to senators:
“Alzheimer’s disease is the most expensive disease facing our nation today and is set to increase like no other unless bold action is taken. I am calling today to ask for your support of $100 million for Alzheimer’s research and care to begin the implementation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan Act, a bill you have supported.
I understand that as a member of the Senate Labor-HHS Subcommittee, you see a lot of issues in need of government funding, but the chronic underinvestment of Alzheimer’s disease research will pose enormous problems to our healthcare system in the future if action is not taken NOW.
Our country spends more than $203 billion per year caring for those with Alzheimer’s. These numbers are expected to skyrocket to more than $1.2 trillion by 2050. We can also measure costs in diminished personal health, increased stress and even bankruptcy for those five million people living with the disease and the more than 15 million caregivers in the U.S.
As an Alzheimer’s Association Advocate in Illinois, I know this disease and I know our nation must do more. It is not only a moral imperative, but sound fiscal policy. We must address Alzheimer’s. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer. As you have been an advocate for the Alzheimer’s community in the past, I hope I can count on your support now!”

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

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