Oklahomans To Gather At The Capitol For Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day

Advocates from across the state will share their stories with lawmakers on Monday and urge support of critical policies.

One of the biggest priorities for the Alzheimer’s Association today is the proposal of House Bill 2747.

The bill, written by Representative Nicole Miller from Oklahoma district 82, would, if enacted, create an office within the Oklahoma State Department of Health with a dementia services manager. 

House Bill 2747 would also establish two funds. One for research to identify needs and gaps within communities, and the other to fund caregiver support groups, specifically in rural areas. 

The Alzheimer's Association said the disease is very costly, and it's time for the state to address it.   

"Lawmakers are making the choice to invest in making sure our state plan is fully implemented and working to identify where we can strategically and effectively make investments," director of Public Policy at the Alzheimer's Association Maggie Shaffer said. "That way we can help mitigate some of the increased and significant load that Alzheimer’s disease is going to keep placing on the state." 

Shaffer said advocacy for those who care about Alzheimer's disease is important because nobody can tell their own story like they themselves can.

The group will be at the State Capitol today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.