December 9, 2019 (Columbus) – Trey Addison, Ohio’s state public policy director for the Alzheimer’s Association issued the following statement in response to State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Thomas West (D-Canton) introduction of House Bill 441, which will establish training requirements for first responders on how to identify and interact with individuals with dementia.
“With six out of 10 people with dementia wandering and more than 220,000 individuals currently living with the disease in Ohio, our hardworking first responders are faced with a potential of 132,000 interactions with someone with dementia. Ohio’s next generation of first responders must be equipped with the skills in how to help someone with dementia.
This legislation is a great next step on the heels of Governor Mike DeWine signing Senate Bill 24, which established an Alzheimer’s State Task Force. We are grateful Representatives Plummer and West are taking the lead on getting this important process underway.”
“Making sure that our peace officers and first responders are equipped to identify and effectively interact with Ohioans with dementia is crucial. Our bill would ensure that they receive the necessary training to handle these situations and ensure the safety of our loved ones with this disease,” West said.
Ohio is on the brink of a demographic shift where seniors will outnumber those 18 and younger. With one in three seniors living with dementia, the 220,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are expected to grow by more than 20% in the next five years. “Those who are suffering with dementia deserve to have trained professionals looking out for them and working with them at all times,” said Plummer.
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The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.