Letter to thank Legislators for Passing Alzheimer's Legislation

The Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter thanks the Rhode Island General Assembly for its support for Alzheimer's legislation in 2019. Their actions will now have a profound impact on helping those that have been touched by this disease.

Some key legislation include House Bill 5178/Senate Bill 223 proposed by Rep. Joseph Shekarchi and Senator Cynthia Coyne to create a program in the Department of Health to address Alzheimer's and build an advisory committee, create disease assessment protocol, and require workforce training for medical professionals and Alzheimer's plans for medical facilities.

They also passed House Bill 5569/Senate Bill 1039 sponsored by Rep. Mia Ackerman and Sen. Coyne to adopt the State Plan on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders as the framework for fighting Alzheimer's going forward and to support people impacted.

These bills passed unanimously, and these votes were critical in helping the over 23,000 Rhode Islanders diagnosed with the disease and the over 53,000 caregivers. Our state has made a great step forward, and we look forward to having Governor Raimondo sign the bills.


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Eric Creamer
Director of Public Policy and Media Relations
Alzheimer's Association - Rhode Island Chapter