On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, two members of Georgia Memory Net’s Central staff had the opportunity to travel to the Georgia State Capitol for Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. Michaela Harris, GMN Program Manager, and Emily Germany, Primary Care Core Coordinator, joined the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (AA) to meet with Georgia state representatives and senators.
Along with several other AA members and volunteers from across the state, they advocated for the passing of legislation to support the care of Georgia residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease. They had the opportunity to thank legislatures for their previous support for FY18 funding of GMN and for re-instating GMN funding after recent budget cuts. Advocates explained to legislatures the importance of continued support and funding of Home and Community Based Services, also advocating for quality care in residential settings and dementia-specific Medicaid services. They were thrilled to hear several legislatures who came to speak to the advocates, sharing their own personal stories and connections with Alzheimer’s disease and declaring bi-partisan support for the cause.
