DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 5, 2021) — The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter will host its annual Advocacy Week virtually on Monday, February 8 through Thursday, February 11.
The Alzheimer's Association is excited for the opportunity for our advocates to reach out to their legislators and share their personal stories, even if it is in a virtual setting. With more than 66,000 Iowans living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, our advocates across the state will be reaching out through a variety of ways: Virtual Zoom meetings, social-media posts, letters to the editor, and Phone2Action alerts throughout the week to highlight the importance of supporting and protecting those living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
The Alzheimer's Association's 2021 legislative priority in Iowa is to increase penalties, both civil and criminal, for those who commit elder abuse. (SSB 1082 — referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee: Subcommittee, Senators Garrett, Kinney, and Reichmann. SF 202 referred to the Senate Human Resources Committee: Subcommittee, Senators Whiting, Kinney & Shipley. HF 353 referred to the House Judiciary Committee.)
When:
· Monday, February 8, 8AM–12PM — The week will kick off with a virtual advocacy training, which will include welcome remarks from Lieutenant Governor Adam Greg and members of the Iowa Legislature. Advocates will learn about our advocacy priorities and how to set up and coordinate virtual legislative meetings.
· Tuesday, February 9, and Wednesday, February 10 — Advocates will set up virtual meetings with Legislators. They will also work on sending e-mail blasts, Phone2Action, social-media posts, and letters to the editor to show support for the Alzheimer's Association’s priorities.
· Thursday, February 11, 1:30PM — Wrap Up Meeting: advocates can share what they learned and report on their Legislative meetings.
Where: Register HERE. Meetings will be held on Zoom.
Why: To educate Alzheimer’s Association advocates on how to talk with legislators and share their voice to help protect Iowans affected by Alzheimer’s across the state, and to make an impact with this year’s legislature to move the bill forward to increase penalties for those who commit elder abuse.
Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to lead 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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
