2026 -- H 8372

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LC006220

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING MARCH 31, 2026 AS “ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF RHODE

ISLAND ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS DAY” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Kazarian, Alzate, Voas, Stewart, Giraldo, and Kennedy

     Date Introduced: March 31, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder

that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior and is the most common cause of dementia among

older adults; and

     WHEREAS, There are approximately 24,000 adults aged 65 and older living with

Alzheimer’s disease in the State of Rhode Island, representing nearly 11 percent of the State’s

senior population, and this number is expected to increase as the population ages; and

     WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease represents a growing public health crisis, placing a

profound emotional, physical, and financial burden on individuals, families, caregivers, and

communities; and

     WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease affects not only those diagnosed but also a vast

network of family members and caregivers who provide extensive unpaid care, often managing

complex medical, emotional, and daily living needs while facing significant personal, financial,

and workforce challenges; and

     WHEREAS, In response to the growing Alzheimer’s crisis, states are assuming a leading

role in meeting the care and support needs of affected families while addressing its increasing

impact on healthcare systems and state economies; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has made meaningful progress in addressing

Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders through the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

(ADRD) State Plan and the ADRD Program at the Rhode Island Department of Health,

establishing itself as a leader in confronting the challenges of the disease; and

     WHEREAS, The Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island provides critical services,

including free education programs, caregiver support groups, and a 24/7 helpline, to assist

individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s disease; and

     WHEREAS, Raising public awareness, advocating for stronger care and research

policies, and supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, are all central

to the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island State Advocacy Day, to be held on

March 31, 2026, at the Rhode Island State House, provides an important opportunity for

advocates, caregivers, and community members to raise awareness and promote continued action

to address Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals are encouraged to wear purple as a symbol of their

support; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

commemorates March 31, 2026, as "Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island Advocacy and

Awareness Day," recognizes Alzheimer’s disease as a critical public health issue, and encourages

all Rhode Islanders to support individuals and families affected by the disease; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island.

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