Julieanne E. Steinbacher

Williamsport

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 282,000 Pennsylvanians. As an Alzheimer’s Association advocate, former social worker and elder law attorney, it is my honor to raise my voice on their behalf.

In April, I attended the 2024 AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. with my fellow Alzheimer’s Association advocates from across the country. It was fascinating to hear how, despite our different backgrounds and communities, all of our lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

We met with Congressman Thompson on Capitol Hill to call for support of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, which will extend the important work of the original acts to ensure that the nation continues to prioritize research and education addressing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Thanks to our bipartisan congressional champions and dedicated advocates, federal funding for life altering research has grown and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers have access to better quality care and support services.

We are truly grateful that Congressman Thompson has since cosponsored the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act. This is a positive step forward for the future, but there is still so much more to learn and understand about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. I urge my fellow community members to learn more about this conditions and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Visit alzimpact.org.