Planning for Alzheimer's disease in California: Development of the state plan

The California Alzheimer's State Plan Taskforce will release the California State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease in March 2011, setting a 10 year public policy roadmap for a public health approach to Alzheimer's disease, integrated system of care and comprehensive caregiver supports for California's diverse populations. What steps did the Alzheimer's Association and its partners take to lay the groundwork for developing the plan? A strategic, three-year process engaged a broad range of leaders and stakeholders, passed legislation mandating the plan, formed an innovative public-private partnership to support development of the plan, obtained input from hard to reach populations and families, conducted a web-based survey statewide and telephone interviews with national financing experts, built coalitions, and developed a media advocacy plan. This session will present a model for developing a State Alzheimer's Disease Plan drawing on California's successes and challenges developing its plan. The session will include a discussion how the Task Force addressed funding strategies in a budget deficit environment.