Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley Chapters Statement on Governor Shapiro's FY2025 State Budget Address

February 6, 2024, HARRISBURG, PA—Today, during his FY25 budget address, Governor Shapiro proposed an historic $1.9 million investment to support an Alzheimer's and dementia government infrastructure within the Department of Aging. Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter Executive Director, Clay Jacobs, said “we applaud Governor Shapiro for prioritizing Alzheimer’s and dementia in the Commonwealth, and for proposing this financial investment to support the infrastructure necessary to address this public health crisis. 

“For more than a decade, Alzheimer’s Association volunteer Advocates in Pennsylvania have worked tirelessly to move Alzheimer’s- and dementia-focused legislation forward. While multiple administrations and sessions of the Legislature have agreed on the need and have made some strides, this is the most comprehensive proposal yet. With potential to positively impact all individuals across the Commonwealth, the proposal also allows Pennsylvania to lead the way as we enter a new era of quality care for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. This work ensures no one is left behind as we drive closer toward cures.

“The Alzheimer’s Association and our Advocates in Pennsylvania are now turning our attention to the General Assembly, and we urge Members to appropriate these funds and to move critical legislation, namely Senate Bill 840, forward. With more than 280,000 residents aged 65 and older in Pennsylvania living with Alzheimers, and another 404,000 loved ones serving as unpaid caregivers, this disease impacts so many in our state.

“We look forward to working with the Governor and the Pennsylvania General Assembly in the months ahead as we continue to advocate for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. We believe this proposed funding and Senate Bill 840 will systematically make Pennsylvania a more dementia-capable state, now and for generations to follow.” 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are 6.7 million people 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in the United States, including over 280,000 in Pennsylvania. On top of that, there are an estimated 404,000 dementia family caregivers across the state, providing 646 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $10.7 billion.
 

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.