New Mexico States Expand Support for People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

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Several states are advancing new laws and initiatives to better support individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

In Delaware, lawmakers have adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 205, which mandates the state Division of Public Health to create a strategic plan for a comprehensive public health outreach campaign on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The plan, due by November 1, will focus on reaching underserved communities and educating healthcare providers.

New Mexico has also made strides in dementia care with the passage of budget bill HB 2. This bill includes funding for a new dementia-specific position within the state Aging and Long-Term Services Department. This role will help implement New Mexico’s Alzheimer’s plan and new initiatives aimed at benefiting individuals with dementia and their families. HB 2 also increases the department’s general fund revenue by $5.5 million (8.5%), allocating $4 million for aging network provider rates and $400,000 for ombudsman reform.

Two other states have introduced measures to support first responders who interact with people living with dementia.

In Hawaii, SB 3139 establishes a new category of law enforcement officers known as crisis intervention officers. These officers will receive specialized training to identify and communicate effectively with individuals living with dementia and those in crisis. The law also creates a crisis intervention and diversion services program within the Department of Health, aimed at providing appropriate care for individuals in crisis rather than placing them into the criminal justice system.

Wyoming has updated its training requirements for adult protective services workers to include new protocols for identifying and interacting with people living with dementia.

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