| R 212 |
| 2026 -- S 3178 Enacted 04/02/2026 |
| S E N A T 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: Senators DiPalma, Sosnowski, Acosta, Mack, Kallman, Tikoian, Zurier, Ujifusa, Paolino, and Murray |
| Date Introduced: April 02, 2026 |
| 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 Senate 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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| LC006269 |
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