Dear AFA Member: The Senate Appropriations Committee is meeting this week to debate funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Administration on Community Living (ACL). As you know, NIH provides a majority of public funding for Alzheimer's disease research, while ACL administers Older Americans Act programs that provide vital services and training to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers. A final vote for full committee approval is expected on Thursday, June 12. Please contact members of this important committee ASAP and urge them to increase funding for Alzheimer's disease research at NIH and supportive services at ACL. In last year's budget, the Senate Appropriations Committee supported an over $80 million increase in funds for Alzheimer's disease. We need them to build upon this trajectory if we are to fulfill the promises of HHS' "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease," which calls for a cure or effective treatment by 2025 and increased supportive services for families affected by the disease. Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee can be found here. You can also contact their offices directly by calling the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-224-3121. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or if you need further information. Only by working together we can make a difference and take one step further in eradicating this heart-wrenching brain disorder. Vice President of Public Policy |
