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.
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