Porter joins Hoosier health advocates celebrating Governor’s signature on his plan to combat dementia

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Gregory Porter's (D-Indianapolis) bill to combat dementia in Indiana was signed into law today by Governor Eric Holcomb.

House Bill 1177 directs Indiana's Division of Aging to develop a strategic plan concerning dementia in Indiana. The division will issue annual reports to the General Assembly regarding the plan, its implementation and the eventual outcomes. This plan has long been a priority for Porter, and is a personal issue for the legislator, who is a caregiver for his mother, who has dementia.

“Today is a great day for all Hoosiers,” Porter said. “To care for the most vulnerable among us is one of the highest callings of government, one of the greatest trusts that we owe to our voters. By coming together to pass this bill, we have upheld that trust.

“At least 110,000 Hoosiers are currently facing the reality of dementia every day across Indiana, with over three times that serving as caregivers. I myself know this reality firsthand, standing alongside my mother against this disease. Seeing this much needed plan come to pass fills me with hope. As the governor's pen signs it in to law, it ends one step of the journey and begins another. We are stronger when we stay focused and work together. Together we will embark on this mission towards education and healing.

“The road to overcoming this affliction in Indiana will be long and it will not be easy. But this bill is a strong first step to finding solutions to protecting the minds of our great state.”

“It will take all hands on deck to address the growing public health crisis of Alzheimer's disease in Indiana,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director, Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “This bill will help foster collaboration among state government, caregivers, advocates and organizations that are working to fight the disease and support Hoosiers affected by it. I am grateful for the overwhelming support this bill received and look forward to working with all stakeholders involved to develop and implement the plan.”