Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Walsh & Rep. K. Williams

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 62

RECOGNIZING JUNE AS "ALZHEIMER'S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, there are currently 6 million Americans with Alzheimer’s; by 2050, that number is expected to reach 13 million; and

WHEREAS, in 2020, there were 19,000 Delawareans living with Alzheimer’s; and

WHEREAS, every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s, which could result in 23,000 Delawareans living with the disease by 2050; and

WHEREAS, as our population ages, there is an urgent and continuing need for a dementia-capable workforce in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s impacts families, loved ones, and other caregivers who provided an estimated 67 million hours of unpaid care for Delawareans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in 2020 alone; and

WHEREAS, the cost of caring for those throughout the United States with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to be 355 billion dollars in 2021; and

WHEREAS, our state government has a critical role in addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as highlighted by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, the “Go Purple” campaign is part of a national effort by the Alzheimer’s Association as part of “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” to raise awareness of the impacts of Alzheimer’s and other dementias; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious health issue, as increased awareness will help lead to early detection and diagnosis, and enhance the quality of care for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 151 ^st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that June is “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness” month in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate supports increasing public awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and encourages all Delawareans to make brain health a part of their everyday lives.