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March 11, 2020 – The creation of a dementia director position within the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) was approved Wednesday by the Florida Legislature with the Senate’s passage of HB 835. 
 
The new position, which had been included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget recommendations, will serve to coordinate efforts between the governor’s office and state agencies in the effective implementation of programs and services related to Alzheimer’s disease. The dementia director will also assist the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee and the DOEA in updating the state Alzheimer’s plan and will promote statewide awareness for the disease.
At a press conference held last month by the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees and DOEA Secretary Richard Prudom both expressed their support for the position.
 
“The governor has recommended – as well as Rep. Plakon and Rep. Willhite – a dedicated dementia director for Florida, who will coordinate all policies and programs that relate to dementia throughout the state,” Prudom said. “That truly is taking things to another level.”
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This year, the establishment of a dementia director position was the organization’s top legislative priority for the state of Florida.
 
“We are so grateful to leadership at every level of our state government for their support of this vital, bipartisan legislation,” said Michelle Branham, vice president of public policy for the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida. “Thanks especially to the outstanding efforts of Secretary Richard Prudom, Reps. Scott Plakon and Matt Willhite, as well as Sen. Kelli Stargel, the 580,000 Floridians battling Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will now have someone dedicated to fighting for them and their needs at the state level.”
 
Alzheimer’s Association
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 is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.