[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H4447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
             JUNE IS ALZHEIMER'S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. GALLEGO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, the strength of our communities depends on 
the health and well-being of our families. Unfortunately, millions of 
families across our Nation, including thousands in Arizona, are 
impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia.
  June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. It is my hope that we 
can come together--Republicans and Democrats--and commit to give 
researchers the resources they need to combat Alzheimer's and other 
diseases, but also to make sure patients and families have the care and 
support they need.
  Policies like paid leave, caregiver support, workforce training, and 
long-term care options must be expanded if we truly want to make a 
difference in the fight against Alzheimer's. These policies are 
especially important for women and communities of color. Hispanics are 
1.5 times as likely to have Alzheimer's as their White counterparts, 
and African Americans are twice as likely.
  Studies have also demonstrated that socioeconomic factors play a role 
in the disparities of Alzheimer's. This is completely unacceptable. Mr. 
Speaker, in America your health and the health of your family should 
not depend on your income or your ZIP Code.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure all American 
families--including those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia--have 
access to the support and care they deserve.

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