On October 16, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 840 into law as Act 111 of 2024, signifying a historic mark for the Alzheimer’s community in Pennsylvania. This legislation creates a first-ever Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) Division within the Department of Aging. In Pennsylvania, the Alzheimer’s Association is a client of Archer Public Affairs (“APA”). APA Director, Jennifer Ebersole, played a major role for the Alzheimer’s Association navigating the state government process to not only make sure this bill crossed the finish line, but Jennifer and the APA team were also instrumental in securing nearly $2 million in the state budget passed in July.

“No one should have to face this terrible disease alone – by signing this bill into law, my Administration is committing real resources to older adults, their families and caregivers who are dealing with Alzheimer’s, and making it clear that we have their back,” said Governor Shapiro.

Senate Bill 840, now Act 111, also establishes an ADRD Advisory Committee to convene statewide stakeholders on ADRD State Plan implementation, advocate for policy, secure federal funding, and leverage additional resources to better respond to the unique and complex needs for those living with ADRD and the systems that support them.

Jennifer has had a highly-respected 20-year career centered around issues related to health and aging. Prior to joining APA, she served as Senior Director of Public Policy at the Alzheimer’s Association. There she served on the management team of the Delaware Valley and Greater Pennsylvania Chapters of the Association, overseeing all executive, legislative and regulatory levels of state government on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association public policy functions, in addition to oversight of the Association’s Pennsylvania Advocacy Program to mobilize grassroots advocates around state and federal public policies. Jennifer has secured notable legislative and budget successes for the organizations she has represented, including the Alzheimer’s Association involving improvements to early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

There are currently more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to increase to 320,000 by 2025. There are also 465,000 caregivers providing 822 million hours of unpaid care and the value of that unpaid care is more than $13.6 billion.

For Governor Shapiro’s full press release, click here.

To see the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater PA Chapter celebrating the win: https://fb.watch/vilucnsaWk/

About Archer Public Affairs

Archer Public Affairs provides full-service government and regulatory affairs advice and advocacy to businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Our members help ensure our clients achieve their business objectives by crafting strategic plans and advocating for their issues at all levels of government. By providing access to key decision makers and timely data, we offer our clients the political and legislative presence that is critical to success.