(The Center Square) – Just over a year ago, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law a state budget which would support the establishment of an Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders office within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
On Wednesday, the administration announced the members appointed to serve on an advisory committee for the new office.
“This Advisory Committee will support the ADRD Office with its goals of addressing the growing public health crisis in our Commonwealth while further amplifying the Department’s work,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.
With people living longer, the number of those living with dementia is increasing every year. About 50% of Pennsylvanians over 85 suffer from ADRD. The total number of those diagnosed is expected to exceed 320,000 next year, with numbers continuing to increase as the population ages and diagnostic tools improve.
Creating an office to serve this population is part of a broader 10-year strategy dubbed “Aging Our Way, PA” which seeks to meet some of the challenges met by the state’s ongoing demographic shift. By creating an office solely focused on ADRD, legislators hope to streamline an increasingly complex network of providers and assistance for caregivers.
“We have a growing public health crisis that drains the physical, emotional and financial health of all those impacted including state government resources,” said Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Tobyhanna, who sponsored legislation in the House. “Different government agencies administer programs and initiatives that are critical to people living with dementia, but these are predominately siloed with multiple state agencies working separately from one another.”
The department says the committee will weigh in on “necessary updates and implementation of the State Plan, assess the current and future impact of ADRD, and develop strategies to mobilize a statewide response.”
Among the appointees are Kavulich, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh and Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry Nancy Walker. Leadership of the House Aging and Older Adult Services committee Rep. Madden, and Rep. Steven Mentzer, R-Lancaster were appointed, as well as Senate Aging and Youth committee chairs Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Johnstown, and Sen. Maria Collett, D-Fort Washington.
Other appointees include a roster of researchers, doctors and professionals as well as policy advocates, organizers and business owners. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14.
“I look forward to working with our partners to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians living with ADRD, their families and caregivers,” said Kavulich.
The new office shines a spotlight on the Department of Aging, which has been tasked with meeting the needs of the state’s fastest growing population group with precious few resources. The recent repeal of the state lottery’s 20% profit margin promises to generate additional revenue for older Pennsylvanians, but advocates say there’s much more work to be done.
