In 2011, the West Virginia legislature directed and funded the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the needs, challenges and issues facing West Virginians living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 38. Three work groups spearheaded development of policy and program recommendations to improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s in West Virginia. The work groups included health care providers, families impacted by Alzheimer’s, public health officials, state legislators, and researchers as well as representatives from local businesses, long-term care providers, state agencies and community organizations. In December 2011, the state Alzheimer’s plan, Make a Plan for Alzheimer’s in West Virginia, was published to serve as an essential guide for policymakers.

Prioritize Alzheimer’s Across State Government 

West Virginia last published an Alzheimer’s State Plan in 2011. More than 10 years later, much has changed yet the dementia population is growing rapidly in our state and an updated strategy is needed. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on legislators to establish an Alzheimer’s infrastructure into state law by creating a permanent Alzheimer’s Council and requiring publication and regular updates to the State Plan. By convening stakeholders from across the state and having state agency leadership, West Virginia is primed to have a robust response to Alzheimer’s that addresses the public health, workforce and care needs of people with dementia and their family caregivers.