AARP Idaho Applauds Gov. Otter's Signing First-Ever Plan to Address State's Alzheimer's Issues

Gem State has 5th highest death rate due to disease – Gov's action changes the game on approach, putting plan in place to reduce burden of Alzheimer's in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Alzheimer's disease is a growing concern in Idaho.  The number of state residents living with the disease would fill Bronco stadium, and that number will increase rapidly.  Yet, until today, the state had no plan of attack to deal with the worsening issue in Idaho. 

This morning, surrounded by a broad coalition of educators, researchers, administrators, service providers and other advocates, Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter signed into action Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 112, The Alzheimer's Plan resolution, the Gem State's first-ever plan to assess and start addressing Alzheimer's and other dementia issues in the state. 

"Today, Governor Otter made a great stride toward helping and improving the lives of thousands of Idahoans and their families struggling with Alzheimer's and other dementia issues," said Peggy Munson, volunteer State President for AARP in Idaho.  "AARP applauds the Governor for helping to make these key issues a policy priority in Idaho, and helping to move forward on the state's first-ever plan to tackle Alzheimer's disease."

More than 35 states now have statewide plans in place or officially in the works to address Alzheimer's and other dementias.  Idaho was not one of them - that changed today.  The Gem State has one of the highest death rates in the nation from Alzheimer's, coupled with the fact that people 85+ are the fastest growing segment of the state's population, the need for action on the issue is very apparent.

SCR 112 is the work of the Idaho Alzheimer's Planning Group and is a first step toward developing a statewide plan to improve the spectrum of prevention, treatment and caregiver support for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.  

The resolution unanimously passed the legislature and identifies the issues as a public policy priority in Idaho.

The AARP-backed resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Joyce Broadsword (R-Sagle), Dan Schmidt (D-Moscow) and Representatives Carlos Bilbao (R-Emmett), John Rusche (D-Nez Perce) and Fred Wood (R-Burley).

AARP is working with the Idaho Alzheimer's Planning Group to develop a comprehensive plan to deal with the burden the diseases places on patients, caregivers and government.

AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with over 180,000 members.
Follow us on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho

SOURCE AARP Idaho