Public can share ideas and perspectives to help the state create a long-term plan
The forums will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Stockton College in the Campus Center Theater (Parking Lots 2 & 3), 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway and on November 20 at Rowan University, Rowan Hall, (Parking Lots C & D) 600 N. Campus Drive, Glassboro from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“This year, the Commission has heard from some experts in the field and researched ‘best practices’, said Lowell Arye, a Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Human Services, in which the Commission is situated. “It’s equally important to hear from the public, from people living with the effects of the disease on a day to day basis.”
In 2013, there were about 170,000 New Jersey residents with Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to increase by 23.5 percent to 210,000 by 2025.
The Commission was created by statute in 2011 and charged with examining the issues associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including its impact on caregiving, healthcare costs, law enforcement response and family responsibilities. It will then prepare a report on its findings and recommendations for the Governor and Legislature.
Testimony at the hearings will be limited to three minutes per speaker and only one speaker per organization will be allowed due to time constraints. Room occupancy restrictions will dictate capacity.
Individuals unable to attend can submit written testimony or letters by emailing AlzCommInput@dhs.state.nj.us. Parcel Post Mail can be sent in care of Ms. Jennifer Crowley, Office of Deputy Commissioner Lowell Arye, NJ Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 700, Trenton, NJ 08625-0700.
