FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION GREATER NEW JERSEY CHAPTER
TO HOST VIRTUAL STATE ADVOCACY DAY

Advocates from across New Jersey will raise awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s and push for change in dementia support

Florham Park, April 7, 2022 – More than 180 advocates from across New Jersey will gather virtually for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) annual State Advocacy Day, April 12, from 9-10:30 a.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet virtually with their state lawmakers to raise awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s on New Jerseyans and their caregivers. Advocates will lobby for –

• A2330/S1241 – Establishes an Alzheimer’s disease public awareness campaign in the Department of Human Services to increase the public’s awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and demonstrate the value of early detection. The bill would require the development of educational materials and information for judicial staff, healthcare workers, first responders, and social workers.

• A2682/S1033 – Establishes an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Long-Term Planning Commission in the Department of Human Services. The Commission would analyze the state’s needs and resources. The Commission’s ultimate goal is to create a more dementia-friendly New Jersey for our residents and their caregivers to live.

If enacted, these bills would increase dementia support for the 190,000 New Jerseyans living with Alzheimer’s and their 361,000 caregivers.

Attendees will hear directly from key legislators, influential state leaders, and Alzheimer’s Association volunteer advocates, who are caregivers or living with the disease, using their voices to advocate for state policy change that will improve the lives of all those impacted by dementia. Guest speakers include, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, Speaker Craig Coughlin, and Alzheimer’s state legislative champions Senator Joe Vitale, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, and Assemblywoman Annette Chapparo.

“There is no greater tool in the policy toolkit than advocacy. Advocates using their voice to share their stories puts names and faces to this terrible disease,” said Cheryl Ricci-Francione, executive director, AAGNJ. “With this year being virtual, we have an even greater opportunity to engage advocates across the state and make their voices heard in Trenton.”
To join the event, register at https://p2a.co/YNayPnd

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Alzheimer’s Association ®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline, staffed by experienced Alzheimer’s professionals, is available in more than 200 languages and can be reached at 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.

Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter
AAGNJ is located at 23 Vreeland Road, Suite 105, Florham Park, NJ 07932. The chapter serves the state with its vast advocacy, educational, and care and support programs and access to the latest research for those with Alzheimer’s and their family members, caregivers and medical professionals. Visit alz.org/nj to learn more.