21st Annual Public Policy Forum

The Public Policy Forum program provides you with the key arguments and talking points you'll need to persuade your legislators to make Alzheimer's a national priority.

Monday March 23
12:30-3 p.m.	Early-Stage Summit This event is designed specifically as a forum for people with early-stage dementia to come together and share insights, especially about the diagnosis experience. The keynote address will be delivered by Lisa Genova, Ph.D., author of the award-winning book, Still Alice. Space is limited. People with dementia are the intended audience for this event.
4:30-6 p.m.	Orientation and Roll Call Join us as we review the Forum program. Then you'll hear from your fellow advocates from all states represented at the Forum as they share the triumphs of our last advocacy year.
6:30-8 p.m.	Candlelight Vigil Held at the Lincoln Memorial, the Candlelight Vigil honors our loved ones and inspires us to continue our united advocacy efforts. It is one of the most moving remembrance ceremonies you will ever attend. Singer-songwriter Loretta Hagen will be performing. Hagen, whose mother has Alzheimer’s, wrote the song “Sundown Till Dawn" about her battle with the disease.
8:30 p.m.	Welcome Reception An opportunity to greet old friends, make new acquaintances and wind down from our first day. Refreshments will be served.

Tuesday March 24
8:30-9:30 a.m.	Welcome and Opening Session With a historic election behind us and unparalleled financial challenges ahead, a new political landscape has emerged in Washington. What does a power shift mean for the future of healthcare reform? How do we effectively make policy leaders see Alzheimer's disease as a strategic concern rather than solely a healthcare issue? Attendees will hear from a distinguished speaker about the road ahead for Alzheimer advocacy.
9:45- 11:15 a.m.	Making Alzheimer's a State and Federal Priority What needs to happen to make Alzheimer's disease a priority with state and local governments? Are there signs that we're headed in the right direction? What steps can advocates take locally to move the cause forward? Attendees will hear from a panel on these questions and then break into groups to discuss their role in moving our issues forward at the local level.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Research Update; Using Research Advances to Spur Increased Alzheimer Funding A scientific update on the variety of research currently underway for Alzheimer's disease that may significantly improve treatments that halt or delay progression. The diverse and rich nature of current avenues being pursued - including the emerging role of biomarkers, advances in imaging and the importance of prevention and early detection - could usher in a new scientific landscape.
12:30- 1:45 p.m.	Lunch and Program Presentation of the 2009 Humanitarian Award
2-3 p.m.	Alzheimer's Study Group Report: Implications for Our Cause Launched in 2008, the Alzheimer's Study Group — co-chaired by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Sen. Bob Kerrey — is a blue-ribbon panel tasked with studying the challenges posed by the impending threat of Alzheimer's disease in the United States. In this session, you will learn how to talk about the report during your visits on Capitol Hill — and in your communities.
3:15-4:45 p.m.	Taking Our Message to Capitol Hill: Make Alzheimer's a National Priority! The culmination of your trip to Washington is meeting with your elected officials on Capitol Hill. Alzheimer's Association staff and other experienced advocates will discuss our legislative priorities and provide the key arguments and talking points you will need to persuade Congress to make Alzheimer's a national priority.
5-6 p.m.	State Caucuses Meet with advocates from your state to solidify plans about your congressional visits and receive your "leave-behind" kits.
6:30-8:30 p.m.	Dinner and Program Presentation of the Maureen Reagan Outstanding Advocate Award.

Wednesday
7:30-8:30 a.m.	Capitol Hill Kickoff Breakfast and Closing Program
9 a.m.-5 p.m.	Congressional Visits Information on Hill visits will be provided when you register for the Forum.
1-5 p.m.	Hospitality Suite Drop off your congressional visit feedback forms and share your experiences with staff and fellow advocates. Light refreshments will be available.