Sen. Mann files bill to help people with Alzheimer’s/caregivers access resources

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, has filed Senate Bill 1428, creating a new office in the State Department of Health to help Oklahomans more easily access information, support, and other services for caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, is the principal House Author.

Mann conducted a study during the interim on Alzheimer’s, and said the numbers show how important it is to take action. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 71,000 people 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Oklahoma alone.

“That’s about 10 percent of Oklahomans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, with 108,000 family caregivers providing essential support to people living with dementia in our state,” Mann said. “Senate Bill 1428 will create the Office of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Service Coordination in the State Department of Health to help patients and caregivers find the information and help they need.”

The office will provide statewide coordination, service system development, and information on education, support, and other available services for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and for caregivers. The dementia services coordinator will also recommend strategies to improve coordination of dementia-related services and resources; help identify grant opportunities to expand services; and support dementia-specific training across all relevant state agencies and organizations.

“It can be daunting to figure out where to turn to get information and services. The goal with SB 1428 is to make it easier for patients and caregivers to find the resources they need,” Mann said. “Alzheimer’s is a devastating diagnosis, and it impacts people from every background and every walk of life. I’m grateful to work with Representative Miller on this bipartisan legislation to help our fellow Oklahomans living with this disease, and their caregivers.”

– END –

For more information, contact:  Sen. Mark Mann at 405-590-4471 or Mark.Mann@oksenate.gov