Wolf Administration Launches Pennsylvania’s Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force

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Harrisburg, PA – On behalf of Governor Tom Wolf, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced the formation of Pennsylvania’s Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force. The task force was created to take a lead role in implementing and championing the goals and recommendations of Pennsylvania’s State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders.

“Over 400,000 Pennsylvanians are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder and the toll of this disease extends beyond those affected to their families, friends, and communities,” said Governor Wolf. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this task force will have on Pennsylvania’s fight against Alzheimer’s.”

Objectives of the task force include:

Working with local organizations, entities, advocates, and other stakeholders to identify and share best practices that support the goals and the overall success of the plan
Leading efforts to review and revise the state plan, as necessary
Developing and facilitating the actions needed to carry out the plan
Pursuing research and reviewing any other issues that are relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders
Assisting in planning the annual Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Forum
Assisting in the development of an annual update to the plan

“The Wolf Administration is committed to embracing and supporting Pennsylvanians who are touched by Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder,” said Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne. “We are confident that the task force will help us ensure that home and community-based services and supports are available, accessible, and responsive to the needs of both caregivers and those living with dementia.”

Since the plan was developed, the department has held three statewide forums and seven regional roundtable discussions to engage with stakeholders and inspire action at the local level.

Task force members include:

Robert (Bob) Marino, co-chair – Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, Member, Pennsylvania Long Term Care Council
Dennis (Mickey) Flynn, co-chair – Member, Pennsylvania Council on Aging
Kathy Cubit – Director of Advocacy, CARIE
Clayton Jacobs – Vice President of Programs and Services, Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter
Vincenza (Jen) Martchek – Board Member, Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging
Melissa Bottorf – President, River Valley Senior Providers Group
LuAnn Oatman – President and CEO, Berks Encore
Cindy Odell – Volunteer/Advocate, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Jeffrey Rose – Local Recovery Coordinator, Erie VAMC Behavioral Health Clinic
Liz Bradbury – Director of the Training Institute, Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center
James F. Butt – Volunteer/Advocate, Alzheimer’s Association
Kathleen Gillespie – Director, Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging
Stacie Bonenberger – Senior Quality Improvement Specialist, Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Linda Zaneski – Associate Chief of Nursing, Geriatrics Wilkes-Barre VA
Jennifer Holcomb – Director of Memory Support, Cross Keys Village