Porter bill increasing awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia heads to the Senate

Today, Jan. 20, the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1029. The bill increases public awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia through educational outreach. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) would need to add information to its website, include the two diseases in its existing public health campaigns and develop training opportunities for health care providers. 

“I’m thankful that this bill is headed to the Senate,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “The House passage of this bill represents the tireless work of the Alzheimer’s Association, Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging and so many others. HB 1029 is about ensuring our seniors are able to age with comfort and dignity.

“In 2021, Indiana had 276 million hours of unpaid care. A huge percentage of our seniors are cared for by their family members. By increasing public education, we ensure the general population has the information they need to care for their loved ones. This is a disease that is affecting all of us.

“This bill is in honor of my late mother and other families who have lived with this life-changing illness. I’m proud to have authored this legislation for our seniors, and I’ll continue my work as it heads to the Senate.”