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DeSantis announces increased Alzheimer's funding
Jordan Bowen reports
TAMPA, Fla. - Governor DeSantis is strengthening Florida's commitment to Alzheimer's disease. Monday, he announced that the state's $10 billion budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year will include $51 million in funding for Alzheimer's and dementia – a $12 million increase from last year.
"Despite those numbers, we're undeterred. We're committed to offering our support and look forward to the medical breakthrough that will eventually bring a cure," Governor DeSantis said at a new conference in Jacksonville Monday.
In Florida, Alzheimer's disease has become a growing public concern, with the state second in the nation behind California for having the largest population of people living with the disease.
MORE: Tampa paints the town purple to raise Alzheimer’s awareness
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‘Paint the Town Purple’ for Alzheimer’s event held in Tampa
As part of the ‘Paint the Town Purple’ event, Tampa’s downtown builders and bridges were lit up. Officials were hoping people will see the lights, ask questions and learn more about the disease and the fight to end it. A special ride, featuring 'Slingshots,' kicked off Sunday.
"That's awesome. That's incredible. I think we need more frankly. I don't think people really understand how epidemic this truly is." Kathleen Scovel with the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said.
Currently, more than half a million Floridians are living with Alzheimer's disease. It accounts for about one-tenth of the nation's 5.8 million cases.
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"People I talk to say 'Oh my gosh, I have a grandma.' 'I have an uncle.' 'I've watched my mom go through this.' ‘My mom is going through this right now.’ It just touches so many lives. It's two to three degrees of separation. It truly is," Scovel said.
As part of the funding, $6.7 million will go to helping families with Alzheimer's patients who are in need of supportive care and other services. Another $5 million will be put aside for research.
It's a commitment Scovel hopes will eventually help lead to a cure.
"We have drugs that will slow the progression, but there's no cure for it. Unlike other diseases where they are cures. It would be incredible to find a cure," Scovel said.