ATLANTA (February 6, 2012) – Senate Bill 14, which would establish a statewide Alzheimer’s and Dementia Task Force responsible for assessing the current and future impact of these diseases in Georgia, passed the Senate today by a vote of 51-0. Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford), Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, sponsored this legislation to build the necessary infrastructure for patient programs. Task force members will also examine existing programs and determine the need for additional legislation.
“I commend the Senate today for accepting my challenge to do more for Georgia’s exponentially growing Alzheimer’s and dementia population,” said Sen. Unterman. “An estimated 125,000 Georgians are currently suffering from this disease, and projected numbers show an increase of 45 percent by 2025. This unprecedented growth of people living with these diseases places a heavy burden on our state’s health care system. Through the establishment of the statewide Alzheimer’s and Dementia Task Force, we will be better prepared to provide proper care.”
If signed into law, Senate Bill 14 will allow Georgia to join 13 other states who have already established similar task forces. Currently, 19 other states have enacted an official statewide response plan aimed at serving individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, along with their caregivers.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028