The Springfield Alzheimer’s Association sponsored ‘Coffee with Congress’ on Thursday, November 9, 2017.  The featured guests were Mike Ussery from Congressman Billy Long’s office and David Stokely with Senator Claire McCaskill’s office.  This meeting was an opportunity to have a Q & A with the staff of Congressional members to get updates on funding, research, care and support.

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that cannot be ignored by federal or state policymakers.   The Alzheimer’s Association’s goal is to see that the federal and state government take bold action to confront this growing crisis.  State governments are increasingly on the front lines in addressing health issues facing America. As a result, every state must tackle Alzheimer’s not only as an aging issue but also as a public health crisis. Alzheimer’s Association chapters across the nation work with state and federal officials to determine regulatory and statutory standards for dementia training, provide access to respite care, designate spending for state long-term care services, control Medicaid spending, and in a variety of other ways to provide care and support for those facing this dreaded disease.