LANSING - The Michigan Alzheimer's Association celebrated their annual Advocacy Day at the Anderson House Office Building. One hundred volunteers were brought to Lansing to advocate for the expansion of the Michigan Dementia Care and Support Program.

Alzheimer’s is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death and there are over 180,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Michigan.

According to Jennifer Hunt, Director of Public Policy, the program expansion would allow patients with Dementia and Alzheimer's to stay in their homes longer.
"With the program, the overall goal is to improve quality of life for the patient, save taxpayer dollars, and reduce healthcare costs."

The Association also had a recognition presentation to honor Senator Dave Hildenbrand with the Michigan Alzheimer's Legislative Champion Award.

There were many attendees at the event to celebrate Senator Hildenbrand for advocating for legislation and support for patients and patient caregivers.

When asked how she felt about Senator Hildenbrand receiving the award, nine year volunteer and former caregiver, Bertha Bullen stated,
"I feel very good about it and he is very deserving of it. We need more and more champions like him to spread awareness and to take lead in fighting this disease."

The significance of Advocacy Day is a time for staff, volunteers and the people of Michigan to stand up and tell their stories of the effects of Alzheimer's. Champions like Senator Dave Hildenbrand listens and hears these stories, to continue to spread awareness and aim for better legislation.

The Alzheimer's Association shed light on how Alzheimer's impacts support systems and patient caregivers. Advocacy Day allows for legislators to come together to create better legislation to help better serve Michigan patients and supporters.