Advocacy Day

Advocacy Update April 7, 2020

Valued advocates, constituents and community supporters,
 
Due to the financial impacts of COVID-19, Governor Inslee made the difficult decision on Friday to veto 147 line items in the state’s supplemental budget. Regrettably, one of those cuts was $926,000, previously approved by the Legislature, to implement a key recommendation of the Alzheimer’s State Plan. This funding would have created two Dementia Resource Catalyst projects in Washington State, providing much needed community-based support for individuals and families facing dementia.
 
While this news is certainly disappointing, we have many reasons to be grateful and optimistic. 
 
Our champions, Rep. Steve Tharinger and Sen. Karen Kaiser, have been steadfast in their support of this funding and the Alzheimer’s State Plan. Because of you, our dedicated advocates, the Legislature heard our plea and they were prepared to fund these critical services. We will return to Olympia next year, on Thursday, January 14, to share our stories, raise awareness about the impacts of this disease, and ask the Legislature for their support once again. 
 
We remain resolute in our efforts to implement the Alzheimer’s State Plan. Along with our partners in the Dementia Action Collaborative, we’ve made great progress since the plan was first released in January 2016, including the development of new resources like the Dementia Road Map in English and Spanish, a Dementia Safety Info Kit, the soon-to-be released Dementia Legal Planning Toolkit, and much more.
 
The Alzheimer’s Association continues to provide around-the-clock care and support as we face these difficult times. As always, our 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900) is available any time, day or night, for people needing information, guidance or crisis assistance. Our support groups continue to meet over the phone, and our educational programs are now available statewide through live, interactive webinars. For a full list of resources, please visit: alzwa.org/covid19resources
 
The setbacks of today are opportunities for tomorrow. We are all in this together and we will not back down. 
 
Thank you for your unwavering support of our mission. Together with you, we will continue to relentlessly pursue quality care and support for Washingtonians affected by Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia. 
 
In solidarity,
 
Jim Wilgus
Regional Leader & Executive Director
Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter
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Advocacy Day 2021
Thursday Jan. 14, 2021

Join Alzheimer's advocates in Olympia as we press state legislators to fund better care and support and other priority recommendations in the Alzheimer's State Plan.

Registrants receive issue training and lunch before their teams visit Senators and Representatives in the afternoon. Transportation from King, Snohomish and Pierce counties provided. 

For questions about Advocacy Day, contact Peter Newbould, Senior Public Policy Director, at pnewbould@alz.org or (206) 529-3867.