NAB Policy Task Force

In 2023, a group of students involved with National Alzheimer's Buddies formed a Policy Taskforce to advocate for Alzheimer's Disease issues through public policy research.

Throughout the year, they engaged with experts and mentors, including Dr. Helen Lamont and Jhamirah Howard from the Department of Health and Human Services, to gain deeper insights into public policy advocacy and current public health issues. Their efforts culminated in the creation of a comprehensive whitepaper, presenting evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at enhancing healthcare access and Medicare coverage for formerly incarcerated individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia re-entering their communities. This whitepaper provides actionable guidance for federal and state governments based on a thorough critical analysis of barriers to healthcare access for incarcerated individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

The paper was submitted to Dr. Lamont and Jhamirah Howard in July 2024 to inform them about the findings that the students had discovered through their policy research. The students then had the honor of presenting their insights to Helen Medsger, the current chair of the Long-Term Services and Support Subcommittee for the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Council. The information they provided played a pivotal role in shaping some of the policy recommendations from the LTSS subcommittee. 

Authors:

Ellen Kang (Top Left) Kelly Duong (Top Center) Solomon Baik (Top Right)

Nancy Zoria (Bottom Left) Pramita Suresh (Bottom Center) Brina Ratangee (Bottom Left)