Dogwood Forest of Fayetteville joined over 200 advocates and Governor Sonny Purdue at the State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 8 to bring awareness to the impact of Alzheimer’s disease.
Advocates, wearing purple shirts with the word “VOICE in big bold lettering, stood on the steps of the Capitol, sparking the curiosity of on- looking legislators. Supporters tolled a bell every 70 seconds to represent the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
The purpose of the meeting was to encourage elected officials to learn about and take more of an active interest in the critical issues affecting millions of Georgians living with Alzheimer’s.
Advocates were specifically concerned with the restoration of a proposed $225,000 cut of Alzheimer’ respite services, House Bill 999 and House Bill 1040.According to the Georgia’s 2011 budget proposal, funds allocated for elder community living services were being cut by over $2.7 million, eliminating and reducing services for millions of Georgia’s seniors.
Josephine Anderson, memory care director for Dogwood Forest of Fayetteville, said that advocates for changes in Alzheimer’s and senior legislation are “simply speaking on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.” “Taking part in the event, only confirmed the job I was sent to do,” Anderson added. “I think I’m serving my purpose.”
According to the Alzheimers Association, the $225,000 respite funding was restored on February 8, 2010 in the House of Representative, and is now awaiting Senate approval.
For more information about Alzheimer’s advocacy, visit the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at www. alz.org/Georgia/.
For more information about Dogwood Forest memory care neighborhood call (770)719-9010.
