Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to deliver virtual address at the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum
Albuquerque, May 11, 2021 – The Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter is pleased to share that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has been scheduled to deliver a nationwide address at the upcoming Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum – the premier Alzheimer's disease advocacy event in the United States.
Based in Washington, D.C., the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) is the advocacy affiliate of the Alzheimer's Association, which advances and develops policies to overcome Alzheimer's disease through increased investment in research, enhanced care and improved support. In close collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, AIM staff organize the national Advocacy Forum annually to educate volunteer advocates on policy priorities and assist their engagement with members of Congress. The 2021 Forum will be held virtually and begins with a live event on May 19, beginning at 7pm EST (5pm MST)., with additional addresses, networking, workshops and on-demand content scheduled from May 17-19, 2021.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham was invited by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association, in part due to New Mexico’s successful, unanimous passing and enactment of the “Long Term Care Dementia Training Requirements Act.” This bill, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, establishes dementia-specific training standards for New Mexico’s state-licensed long-term care facility direct service staff, so that they can be better prepared to care for and interact with residents who have Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.
“Our advocates and staff are very excited about Governor Lujan Grisham’s appearance at this national event,” says Tommy Hernandez (Public Policy Director, Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter). “It demonstrates that the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is successfully and continuously growing support among our state’s elected leaders and delivering outcomes that move our important mission forward. It certainly shines a positive light on our state to have our Governor on this national stage, speaking on an issue as critical as Alzheimer’s disease.”
Governor Lujan Grisham was the only governor invited to participate in the event, where her virtual message will be broadcast to an audience of thousands of volunteer advocates from across the nation.
“We would like to thank the Governor’s Office for working with us to help make her participation in this event possible,” says Hernandez. “We applaud the Governor for her leadership on this issue.”
The AIM Advocacy Forum begins on May 19, at 7PM EST (5pm MST). To register for the event, visit: https://www.alz.org/forum/overview.asp.
For more information on Alzheimer’s Association’s public policy priorities, advocacy activities or volunteer opportunities, contact: Tommy Hernandez (Public Policy Director, Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter) at tjhernandez@alz.org, 505-404-9845.
Today, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, the total number is expected to rise to nearly 12.7 million. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA*.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 43,000 New Mexicans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease and there are 85,000 unpaid dementia caregivers, many of whom are family members, contributing 157 million hours of care valued at $2.5 billion.
Adapting to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter is continuing their mission by offering many free resources electronically.
Visit our website for the latest in free NM Chapter programs and webinars, accessible from the comfort and safety of your own home: www.alz.org/newmexico.
We are here for you. If you need help, call us. Our 24/7 Helpline is available any time, day or night for support or information at 1 (800) 272-3900.
We have five branch offices in the state: Albuquerque (Main Office), Santa Fe (Northeastern New Mexico), Farmington (Northwestern New Mexico), Roswell (Southeastern New Mexico) and Las Cruces (Southwestern New Mexico). Though our physical locations remain closed due to health concerns, all regional staff may be contacted by calling 1 (800) 272-3900.
*Source for all statistics: The 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
Our mission: The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision: A world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit www.alz.org/newmexico or call 800.272.3900.