Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and The Longest Day.
The resolution is positioned as an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the nearly 690,000 Californians living with Alzheimer's, a number projected to rise to 840,000 by 2025. It emphasizes the significant healthcare challenges, including frequent hospital visits and readmissions among those with dementia. By promoting awareness and understanding of the disease, the resolution aims to mobilize community action and advocacy for better resources and support for affected individuals and their families.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 50, introduced by Ochoa Bogh, aims to declare June 2021 as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and recognizes June 20 as The Longest Day. This resolution is part of broader efforts to raise public awareness regarding Alzheimer's disease, which has significant social and economic impacts on California residents. As the state with the highest number of individuals affected by Alzheimer's, the measure highlights the urgent need for education about the disease and support for caregivers.
The sentiment surrounding SCR 50 has been largely positive, with widespread support from community advocates and healthcare organizations. The bill was passed unanimously, reflecting a unified recognition of the importance of addressing Alzheimer's as a public health issue. However, there is an ongoing call for more comprehensive state support and resources for caregivers and those diagnosed.
While SCR 50 primarily serves an awareness function and does not enforce new policies or funding, it still draws attention to the gaps in services available for those battling Alzheimer's and their families. Notably, it underscores the disparities in healthcare access among different demographics, including racial and ethnic minorities who are disproportionately affected. The resolution calls for ongoing discussions about the need for increased funding for research and support services, indicating that while the bill itself is largely uncontroversial, the issues it raises remain critical areas of contention in public health policy.