By Senators Keiser, Bailey, Cleveland, Brown, Jayapal, Fraser, Nelson, and Benton

WHEREAS, The legislature passed and the governor signed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6124 during the 2014 session; and

WHEREAS, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6124 established the Alzheimer's Disease Working Group and directed it to examine the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's, the services available to meet these needs, and the capacity of the state and current providers to meet these and future needs; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are now the third leading cause of death in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, An outstanding group of knowledgeable citizens, including consumers, providers, scientists, advocates, and legislators worked together over the past year to develop the first Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias; and

WHEREAS, Fifteen town meetings and community listening sessions were held around the state to gather input and ideas from citizens with personal and family experiences with Alzheimer's disease; and

WHEREAS, The progressive nature of Alzheimer's, its long duration, and its effect on memory, self-care, decision making, and behavior create formidable challenges for individuals and families; the most common concern expressed by participants was the need to increase home care and family support and provider education to improve early diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, The Plan is now complete and is being submitted to the legislature this week, and includes reports showing that Alzheimer's disease is one of the most costly chronic conditions in our state, posing financial burdens for families; and

WHEREAS, The Plan sets forth both short-term and long-term goals and strategies to be pursued to offer hope and support to individuals and families in coping with the disease while using public and private resources as efficiently as possible;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate express deep gratitude and appreciation to all citizens and staff who worked to research and prepare the Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate welcome further advisement from the Alzheimer's Disease Working Group in our efforts to implement the Plan.