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Senate committee backs statewide Alzheimer’s awareness campaign (SB 398)
Summary
The Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs favorably reported SB 398 to create a Department of Elder Affairs public awareness campaign on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; bill sponsors and caregivers urged a sustained, culturally tailored program.
The Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs on May 20 favorably reported SB 398, a measure to create a statewide public‑health awareness campaign on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through the Department of Elder Affairs.
Senator Burgess, sponsor of the bill, told the committee: “This bill creates a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs to educate Floridians about Alzheimer's and related dementias.” The proposal would emphasize early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical‑trial access and community resources, with particular outreach to people age 60 and to populations at higher risk.
The bill drew personal testimony from Priscilla Jean Louis of Tallahassee, who identified herself as a caregiver for her mother. “My mother is in the later stage of the disease now. I am her voice,” Louis said, urging lawmakers to fund public education so families know warning signs and treatment and resource options. Representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP registered support on appearance forms.
Why it matters: Florida is among the states with the highest numbers of residents living with Alzheimer’s. Sponsors said the campaign seeks to increase timely diagnosis, broaden clinical‑trial participation and reduce disparities in awareness: Louis told the committee that “Black Americans are twice as likely to develop the disease,” and several senators urged culturally and linguistically tailored outreach.
Committee debate was brief and supportive. Senator Rouson asked the sponsor to consider making the funding recurring rather than one‑time. Senator Burgess replied he would “continue to pound the ground to make sure that this money stays put and it isn't just a 1 time deal.” The committee then voted; members present recorded affirmative votes and the bill was reported favorably.
Action and next steps: SB 398 will proceed from committee with a favorable report; the bill text assigns the Department of Elder Affairs rulemaking and implementation responsibilities.
Votes at a glance: The roll call recorded the following affirmative votes during the committee's action: Senator Roeser; Senator Harrell; Senator Rouson; Senator Sharif; Senator Simon; Vice Chair Garcia; and Chair Grahl. By that vote, SB 398 was reported favorably to the next committee or calendar stage.
Context and background: Committee members and witnesses emphasized the long‑term caregiver burden and the value of early diagnosis. Supporters asked for a recurring appropriation and culturally tailored material for communities with higher prevalence. The bill text and sponsor comments make the Department of Elder Affairs responsible for campaign development and outreach.
Ending: SB 398 moves forward with bipartisan committee support; sponsors and advocates said they will press for sustained funding and culturally targeted outreach in later stages of the legislative process.
