| 4-5:45 p.m. |
First Timer's
Orientation and Networking Roundtables
Join us as we provide an overview of the Forum followed by
a series of roundtable discussions. |
| 6-7:30 p.m. |
14th Annual Candlelight
Vigil
The candlelight vigil, held on the grounds of a Washington
landmark, provides a unique opportunity to remember our loved
ones with the disease and those who provide care for them.
Buses begin departing the hotel lobby at 6 p.m. and will return
to the hotel by approximately 8 p.m. |
| 8-9:30 p.m. |
Opening Reception
As our first day comes to a close, join us for refreshments
and an opportunity to greet old friends, make new acquaintances
and establish valuable contacts for your advocacy work. |
| 8-9:30 a.m. |
Roll Call of the States
Alzheimer advocacy is not just about attending the Public Policy Forum
and what happens in Washington. Throughout the year, advocates work hard
to affect change for people with the disease and their caregivers. Hear
from each state about the challenges and triumphs they have experienced
in the past year. |
| 9:45-11:15 a.m. |
Research Update: Eliminating the Burden
of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Association research experts and partners will discuss exciting new developments in the search for prevention, treatment and cure, providing information that advocates will need to persuade Congress to increase funding for Alzheimer research. Speakers will also address the economic, social and human costs
of Alzheimer's on current and future generations and how modest breakthroughs to alter the course of the disease will result in future savings. |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Workshops |
M1
Challenging the Presidential Candidates: Making Alzheimer's
Part of the Debate in 2008
The presence of Alzheimer's increases the cost of treating
other chronic conditions, largely because of the absence of
care management strategies. The already high cost of expensive
chronic conditions like coronary heart disease, congestive
heart failure and diabetes are more than doubled by Alzheimer's.
Yet many persons with Alzheimer's go without needed treatment
and long-term care. Presidential campaign platforms will lay
the groundwork for essential changes. Participants in this
session will learn how to engage in presidential politics
and how Alzheimer's fits into the larger debate on health care.
M2
Food and Drug Administration and Alzheimer's Disease: Speeding
Treatments to Patients
People with Alzheimer's want and need help with treatments sooner rather than later. With about a dozen drugs in the final stage of clinical trials, and many more in the earlier stages of testing, the FDA needs to be in a position to quickly and appropriately review new therapies when they emerge from trials. Learn about what's on the horizon and what the Alzheimer's Association is doing. Advocates will gain knowledge and tools to join in our effort to convince Congress to increase the FDA's resources.
M3
Advocating for Good Community Care: Long-term Care Systems
Change Opportunities
The federal government is providing states with a wide array of financial incentives to "re-balance" long-term care financing and services away from institutional care and toward home- and community-based care. But without advocacy at the state and community levels, there are no guarantees that these financial incentives will be used to address the specific needs of people with dementia and their families. This session will describe current federal "systems change" initiatives and steps advocates can take to ensure that planning and implementation of newly expanded home and community-based services fulfill the needs of people with dementia.
M4
Be All That You Can Be: Becoming a Strong Advocate
The success of the Association's advocacy efforts depends on having a well-trained, dedicated corps of people who personally understand Alzheimer's disease and make their voices heard in Washington and state capitals across the country. Participants will learn new tactics for improving their advocacy skills, receive tips on enhancing personal communication with elected officials and discuss how the role of advocates is changing in today's political environment.
M5
Tackling Quality Care: Our Game Plan for Improved State Policies
Over the past three years, the Alzheimer's Association has implemented its Campaign for Quality Residential Care at the federal and state levels. This session will focus on our state policy objectives in regard to this campaign, with a special emphasis on policies related to the forthcoming practice recommendations on end-of-life care. Participants will be able to identify examples of recent state successes on quality issues and discuss how to apply these examples to their state's quality assurance system. |
| 3-5 p.m. |
Getting Ready for the Hill
The culmination of your trip to Washington is meeting your elected representatives on Capitol Hill. In this session you will hear from Alzheimer's Association staff and other policy experts as they provide you with the Association's key policy priorities, an overview of the environment on Capitol Hill and tips on how to make the greatest impact during your visit.
|
| 6:30-8:30 p.m. |
Dinner and Keynote Address
Join us for a keynote speech and presentation of the 6th Annual Maureen Reagan Outstanding Advocate Award. |
| 7:30 a.m. |
Capitol Hill Breakfast and Closing
Program |
| 9:30–11 a.m. (Tentative) |
Congressional Hearing on Alzheimer's
Disease |
| 1–5 p.m. |
Hospitality Suite
Drop off your congressional feedback forms
and Forum evaluations and share your Capitol Hill experience
with staff and fellow advocates.
|
