November 16, 2018 Message from the Secretary

November 16, 2018

Message from the Secretary

This past Saturday morning I traveled the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the city of Philadelphia for their 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer's, held on the grounds of Citizens Bank Park, the home ballpark of the Philadelphia Phillies. Although it was a very brisk and incredibly gusty morning, over 10,000 people braved the chill and wind to participate in what has now become one of the nation's largest Alzheimer's Walks. What first began as Memory Walks in 1989, when 1,249 participants from nine Alzheimer's Association Chapters raised $149,000, the Walk to End Alzheimer's, has grown into a national effort. Today it involves over 600 locations and more than 50,000 teams, and has raised more than $75 million dollars, including over $1.2 million from the Philadelphia Walk alone.

With profound gratitude to the leaders of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, I was able to say a few words to the massive crowd that gathered. Trust me when I tell you that standing on that stage--looking out at the grounds of Citizens Bank Park and seeing an amazingly large sea of purple, and uttering words of gratitude and encouragement for all who gave their time to participate--was truly humbling. On my ride home I found myself wondering if the thousands of walkers I have connected with in three different Walks this fall season realize that the dollars they raised would help to fuel the Alzheimer's Association's mission, while also helping to elevate the level of Alzheimer's awareness in their local communities. I also found myself wondering about the motivation behind their participation, as each walker must have been touched by Alzheimer's in some way. As I drove, my head spun thinking about how many of the folks at the Walk were diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia. How many had lost a loved one to the disease? How many were currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer's? Ultimately, I realized that regardless of the reason for their participation, individually and collectively we walk to advance research that will treat and prevent Alzheimer's, to help provide programs to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's, and to serve as a visible sign to those diagnosed and those who care for them that they do not walk the journey of Alzheimer's alone.

If you read last week's message, I mentioned that November hosts several national themes, including National Family Caregivers Month, and I committed to write about National Alzheimer's Awareness Month today. National Alzheimer's Awareness Month was first declared in November of 1983. During these past 35 years we have seen many accomplishments, such as the 1984 funding of Alzheimer's Disease Centers, the 1989 start of Alzheimer's Walks, the 1993 Federal & Drug Administration's approval of the first Alzheimer's drug, Cognex, and in 2011 President

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Obama signing the National Alzheimer's Project Act, which provided a national framework to support and fund Alzheimer's research.

Many believe that former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's announcement in 1994 that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's laid the foundation to greater public awareness about the disease. In his letter to the American people, he wrote, "In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it. At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters. Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's Disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage. In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future. I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."

Had Mother Nature not intervened yesterday, delivering our first winter snowstorm of the season, we would have gathered in Harrisburg for our 2018 Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders Forum. In the remarks I planned to share was Reagan's profound message, which helped break down the stigma that so often surrounds Alzheimer's. While we regroup with our Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force on our efforts to move the Pennsylvania State Plan on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders forward, we journey through the remainder of Alzheimer's Awareness Month. During this time, let us continue to recognize and support our fellow Pennsylvanians who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's and related disorders and those who care for them, and in honor of President Ronald Reagan, may we persist in our efforts to raise awareness and move closer to a future when there is an end to Alzheimer's.

I close today's message sharing exciting news about one of our staff, Samantha Cossman, who, rather unexpectedly, received a very special recognition this week. On Wednesday morning I was attending a meeting of the PA Supreme Court's Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts at the Judicial Center when I was informed that the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) had awarded the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal to Ms. Cossman. Major General Weller, Deputy Adjutant General for the DMVA, and his staff kindly extended an invite for me to attend the presentation of the Commendation, which was occurring at the conclusion of the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans Services meeting that took place on Wednesday in Fort Indiantown Gap.

Recognizing that the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal is given at the direction of the governor, under the authority granted by Chapter 37, Section 3701 of the Military Code, and is rarely bestowed upon a civilian, it was important for me to attend. Moreover, Ms. Cossman, who serves as the Northwest Regional Coordinator for the department's Aging and Disability Resource Center, is also my designee on the Governor's Advisory Council for Veterans Services, where she chairs the Council's Aging Committee. During the time she has served in this designee capacity for the department and myself, I have seen and therefore very much appreciate Ms. Cossman's passion for her work. Her ability to advocate for persons in need is remarkable, and her commitment to represent the mission of the department while striving to find linkages for us to better serve Pennsylvania's older veterans has been incredibly effective. The military tradition and protocol that was displayed as Major General Weller and his team paused the council meeting

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to present Ms. Cossman with her Commendation Medal was inspiring, and was a complete surprise to her, along with most of the councilmembers. The citation presented was ordered by the governor and signed by Adjutant General Major General Anthony Carrelli, and reads in part, "Samantha is a true advocate whose dedication and selfless service truly demonstrate Government that Works. (Her) dedication to advocacy reflects great credit upon herself, the Department of Aging, the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." Please join me in congratulating Ms. Cossman for her meritorious service that yielded her the tremendous honor of receiving the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal.

Teresa Osborne Secretary

Legislative Update

Pennsylvania House of Representatives The House returned to session on Tuesday, November 13 for farewell speeches and leadership elections. Listed below are the House Republican and Democratic leaders elected for the 20192020 session:

House Republican Leadership: Speaker-Nominee: Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) Leader: Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) Appropriations Chairman: Stan Saylor (R-York) Whip: Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) Caucus Chair: Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery) Caucus Secretary: Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland) Caucus Administrator: Kurt Masser (R-Northumberland) Policy Chair: Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion)

House Democratic Leadership: Leader: Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) Appropriations Chairman: Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) Whip: Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) Caucus Chair: Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) Caucus Secretary: Rosita Youngblood (D-Philadelphia) Caucus Administrator: Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill) Policy Chair: Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster)

There are currently no additional voting days scheduled for the current session.

Pennsylvania Senate The Senate returned to session on Wednesday, November 14 for farewell speeches and leadership elections. Listed below are the Senate Republican and Democratic leaders elected for the 2019-2020 session:

Senate Republican Leadership President Pro Tempore: Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) Leader: Jake Corman (R-Centre) Appropriations Chairman: Patrick Browne (R-Lehigh) Whip: John Gordner (R-Columbia) Caucus Chair: Bob Mensch (R-Montgomery)

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Caucus Secretary: Richard Alloway (R-Franklin) Caucus Administrator: To be appointed by the President Pro Tempore Policy Chair: David Argall (R-Schuylkill)

Senate Democratic Leadership Leader: Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) Appropriations Chair: Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) Whip: Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) Caucus Chair: Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) Caucus Secretary: Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) Caucus Administrator: John Blake (D-Lackawanna) Policy Chair: Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton)

There are currently no additional voting days scheduled for the current session.

Education and Outreach Office

Health and Wellness Program The Health and Wellness Program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention activities for older Pennsylvanians with a special focus on health risk screening, nutrition, chronic conditions, fall risk, exercise, and strengthening to prevent fall-related injury, monitoring behavioral health, and managing medications. Please see upcoming wellness workshops below:

Berks ? Chronic Disease Self-Management Program LAY LEADER TRAINING and Diabetes Self-Management Program LAY LEADER CROSS-TRAINING

Berks County Agricultural Center 1238 County Welfare Road Leesport, PA 19533 Schedule: CDSMP four-day training ? November 27, 28, 29, and December 4, 2018 Time: 8:30 a.m. ? 4:30 p.m. Schedule: DSMP cross-training ? December 5, 2018 Time: 8:30 a.m. ? 4:30 p.m. Please contact: Ann Barlet, Public Advocacy and Outreach Manager, at 610-478-6500 ext. 5523 or abarlet@ Charge: No charge to AAA staff, AAA subcontractors or AAA volunteers. Anyone else not covered by PDA's Self Management Resource Center license must provide their own SMRC license at the time of registration and will pay a small fee to cover supplies. Any questions about PDA's SMRC license may contact Katrina Kyle at katkyle@ or 717-783-8349. Participants are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, and meals.

Berks ? Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) Villa St Elizabeth 1201 Museum Road Reading, PA 19611 Dates: Mondays and Fridays, October 26, 2018 ? December 28, 2018 Time: 10:30 a.m. ? 11:30 a.m. Please contact: Kathy Roberts, Health & Wellness Educator, at 610-374-3195 No charge for this class

Berks ? Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Lutheran Home at Topton

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One South Home Avenue Topton, PA 19562 Dates: Thursdays, November 29, 2018 ? January 3, 2019 Time: 10 a.m. ? 12:30 p.m. Please contact: Jenny Wagner, Project Coordinator, at 570-624-3017 No charge for this class

Bucks ? Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center 8040 Route 611 Ottsville, PA 18942 Dates: Tuesday, January 15, 2019 and Thursday, January 17, 2019 Time: 9:30 a.m. ? 12 p.m. Please contact: Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Center at 610-847-8178 No charge for this class

Bensalem Senior Center 1850 Byberry Road Bensalem, PA 19020 Dates: Tuesday, November 20, 2018 Time: 9:30 a.m. ? 2 p.m. Please contact: Bensalem Senior Center at 215-638-7720 No charge for this class

Crawford ? Healthy Steps for Older Adults (fall risk screening & education) CERTIFIED WORKSHOP LEADER TRAINING by Dering Consulting Group, Inc. Active Aging 1034 Park Avenue Meadville, PA 16335 Date: April 11 & 12, 2019 Time: 9 a.m. ? 4 p.m. Please register at: Dering Consulting Group, Inc. at hsoa No charge for this class NOTE: This training is for AAA staff, AAA Senior Center staff, AAA contractors and AAA volunteers and is capped at 25 registrants.

Cumberland ? Healthy Steps in Motion (exercise classes for strength & balance) CERTIFIED WORKSHOP LEADER TRAINING by Dering Consulting Group, Inc. New Cumberland Senior Center 122 Geary Avenue New Cumberland, PA 17070 Date: December 6 & 7, 2018 Time: 9 a.m. ? 4 p.m. Please register at: Dering Consulting Group, Inc. at hsim No charge for this class NOTE: This training is for AAA staff, AAA Senior Center staff, AAA contractors and AAA volunteers and is capped at 25 registrants.

Delaware ? Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (education on living a healthier life) Our Lady of Angels Convent 609 Convent Rd.

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