ATLANTA (May 6, 2013) – Governor Nathan Deal signed into law Senate Bill 14, sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (R –Buford). This legislation establishes a statewide Alzheimer’s and Dementia Task Force responsible for assessing the current and future impact of these diseases in Georgia.
“I commend Governor Deal and my colleagues in the legislature for their efforts to address the needs of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers statewide,” said Sen. Unterman. “The work of this task force is an important first step in ensuring that our state’s limited resources are being best utilized to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, their families, and caregivers, while improving care for this vulnerable population.”
The creation of the Alzheimer’s Task Force will address trends in the state’s Alzheimer’s and related dementias population, evaluate existing services, and examine strategies for addressing any identified gaps in services, among many other issues. The state plan will also address ways of raising public awareness, encouraging increased detection and diagnosis, and training for health care professionals.
Currently, 23 states have published an Alzheimer’s disease plan, while another 13 states and the District of Columbia are in the process of writing their own comprehensive plans.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028