Thankful for Caregivers Act

Dear Editor, More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2016, these caregivers provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours of care valued at over $230 billion. I am one of those caregivers. Caregiving can be an emotionally, physically and financially draining role. Congress has acted to address the needs of our nation’s family caregivers through the development and implementation of a coordinated national strategy with the passage of the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (S. 1028/H.R. 3759). Endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act is consistent with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, which seeks to expand and enhance training, education and support for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Please join me in thanking Senator Richard Shelby, Senator Doug Jones, Congressman Mo Brooks and Congressman Robert Aderholt for their support of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act. Sincerely, Brandi Medina, M.S., Director of Programs & Education, Alzheimer’s Association, Mid South Chapter, Huntsville