Senator Danny Burgess filed legislation on Wednesday to establish a statewide Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Program, seeking to expand public education and resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia-related disorders.
If ratified, the bill (SB 398) would direct the Department of Elderly Affairs to contract with a statewide nonprofit organization to develop and implement the program, which would aggregate data and resources for Floridians to have access to research-based information on early detection, risk reduction, brain health, screenings, and available community resources.
The initiative would also feature a website, digital outreach, and a mobile, in-person education effort prioritizing underserved communities.
“The program shall assist the residents of this state affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders in obtaining information that is validated by reputable national research,” Burgess’ bill reads.
Further, healthcare providers would receive additional training in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, and the program would incorporate the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Resource Guide. The Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee would be responsible for annual evaluations and funding recommendations to the Legislature.
The legislation includes a $1.5 million appropriation from the General Revenue Fund for its first year and, if passed, would take effect July 1, 2025.
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