For More Information Contact: Jen Belkov Vice President, Public Policy jbelkov@alz.org
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ILLINOIS CHAPTER RECOGNIZES REP. KATHLEEN WILLIS AS LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
CHICAGO (Monday, December 13, 2021) — The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is excited to name State Representative Kathleen Willis as 2021 Legislator of the Year. This designation is in recognition of Willis’s support of the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
During the 2021 legislative session, Representative Willis served as chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 677, Alzheimer’s Association-backed legislation to create the nation’s strongest dementia-specific education mandate for healthcare providers. Thanks to Rep. Willis’s leadership, the bill passed the House unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Pritzker in August.
“Alzheimer’s disease impacts so many people in my district and across Illinois,” said Willis. “I’m proud that Illinois is now leading the nation in our efforts to ensure people living with a dementia receive a diagnosis, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association to make Illinois a dementia-capable state.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is excited to continue our critical and effective partnership with Representative Willis and sincerely appreciates all the work she has done on behalf of the 230,000 Illinois residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and their nearly 400,000 caregivers.
L to R, David Olsen, Alzheimer’s Association, Rep. Kathleen Willis, Kate Bobbit, Alzheimer’s Association.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ILLINOIS CHAPTER RECOGNIZES REP. MARIE NEWMAN AS LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
CHICAGO (Thursday, December 16, 2021) — The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is excited to name Congresswoman Marie Newman as 2021 Legislator of the Year. This designation is in recognition of Newman’s support of the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
As a newly appointed Member of Congress, Newman instantly became a leader on the Alzheimer’s Association’s policy initiatives. She was the first member of the Illinois delegation to cosponsor our three current policy priorities: the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act (H.R. 2517), the Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act (H.R. 3085), and the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act (H.R. 1474). All three initiatives are aimed to strengthen the delivery of care and support for those living with and caring for someone with dementia.
“Alzheimer’s disease touches far too many families across Illinois and our entire country. I’m grateful for organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, which do pivotal work to conduct research and advocate for individuals living with this terrible and heartbreaking disease,” said Congresswoman Marie Newman. “I know personally the pain of seeing a loved one battle Alzheimer’s disease, and that’s why I am deeply honored to be named Legislator of the Year by the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. I will continue to advocate in Congress for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and those who care for them. I am thankful that as I do so, I have a partner in the Alzheimer’s Association.”
We look forward to the continuation of this critical and effective partnership and appreciate all the work Representative Newman has done on behalf of the 230,000 Illinois residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, and the nearly 600,000 Illinoisans who care for them. For more information, please visit www.alzimpact.org.
L to R, Kate Bobbit, Alzheimer’s Association, Rep. Marie Newman, Brittany Altemus, Alzheimer’s Association.
About the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter: The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Since 1980, the Illinois Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.
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