Policy Resolution HHS-16-19

SUPPORTING CULTURALLY SPECIFIC DEMENTIA, ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (CTE) HEALTH CARE

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) supports the needs of the African American community in meeting the challenges of Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and aging;

WHEREAS, African Americans experience Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at twice the rate of whites;

WHEREAS, Baby Boomers began turning 65 in 2011, ushering in unprecedented changes in our approach to long-term care;

WHEREAS, an estimated 10 million baby boomers are projected to be stricken with Alzheimer���������������������������s;

WHEREAS, the number of African Americans age 65 and over will more than double by 2030, from 2.7 million in 1995 to 6.9 million by 2030;

WHEREAS, preparations are needed at the state and national levels to ensure our African American elders can live well in their old age, including remaining in their homes and commer���������������������������s is nearly $60,000 per year;

WHEREAS, a culturally-sensitive approach to care can lead to better health outcomes for African American patients as well their caretakers;

WHEREAS, expanded respite services and training for caregivers and social workers are two key components in meeting the challenge of caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; and

WHEREAS, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma including symptomatic concussions.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the need for culturally-specific support services for African Americans senior citizens, athletes, and others afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and to promote awareness for CTE and support test models to help that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Rena Moran (MN)
  
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Health and Human Services Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Co-Chairs: Representative Mia Jones (FL) and Senator Shirley Nathan Pulliam (MD)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 4, 2015
• Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President