A significant focus of the New Hampshire House of Representatives Health and Human Services Oversight Committee meeting on November 22, 2024, was the launch of a public awareness campaign aimed at improving brain health and addressing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The campaign, spearheaded by the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, is backed by a $500,000 allocation from the state budget, marking a substantial investment in public health education.

Wendy Altman, Bureau Chief, and Jennifer Horgan from the Alzheimer's Association presented an update on the campaign's progress. They highlighted the development of an ambassador committee composed of individuals affected by Alzheimer's and their families, which will provide feedback on campaign materials. The campaign will include a comprehensive suite of public materials—ranging from radio and TV ads to brochures—designed to raise awareness and educate the public about brain health.

The committee also discussed the importance of collaboration between different health departments to streamline efforts and avoid duplication. There is a clear intent to align resources and responsibilities, ensuring that public health messaging is cohesive and effective.

In addition to the brain health campaign, the meeting addressed the ongoing challenges within the Bureau of Developmental Services, particularly concerning service waitlists. Jessica Gorton, Bureau Chief, reported that while there are currently no funding waitlists, the bureau is focusing on improving data collection to better understand service delivery and access issues. The introduction of a new IT system aims to enhance the tracking of service requests and authorizations, which has been a persistent challenge.

Representative Edwards expressed optimism about the progress being made, particularly in obtaining real-time data on service waitlists, a topic that has been a concern for several years. The meeting underscored the state's commitment to enhancing health services and public awareness, with a clear focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.