PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release)- Volunteer advocates with the Alzheimer’s Association met with lawmakers at the Capitol in Pierre for State Advocacy Day on Monday, February 5. More than 50 South Dakotans from across the state, including those living with Alzheimer’s, family members, and others impacted by the disease met with legislators over lunch to share how the disease has impacted their families and communities.

Advocates thanked state officials for work underway to build a statewide Alzheimer’s coalition through the federal BOLD grant, new Medicaid coverage of cognitive impairment and assessment, and inclusion of cognitive impairment to the Dakota at Home intake process.

Advocates also asked lawmakers to support SB 46 to improve Dakota at Home’s intake process, SB 80 to invest in technology that improves the lives of South Dakotans living with Alzheimer’s, and HB 1016 to assess the feasibility of the PACE model in South Dakota. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee supported SB 80 on Wednesday.

Event photographs are available for media with credit to White Spruce Films. Governor Noem shared X and Facebook posts from the day. Advocates and staff are available for interviews.