Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter Recognizes Sandra Pihos as Legislator of the Year

GLEN ELLYN, IL… The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter recently named State Representative Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn) as the organization’s Legislator of the Year. This designation—the first of its kind—is in recognition of Pihos’ long-time support of the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Jen Belkov, Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter said that Pihos has not only taken a leadership position on many of the Association’s policy initiatives, but in recent years and in concert with State Representative Patricia Bellock (R-Hinsdale), she has created the Illinois Alzheimer’s Legislators Alliance to bring statewide awareness to this presently incurable disease and to encourage the engagement of fellow lawmakers in issues affecting Alzheimer’s patients, families and caregivers. To date, more than 65 State Senators and State Representatives have joined the Alliance.

“Through her legislative actions, Pihos has demonstrated a keen understanding as to the fiscal impact Alzheimer’s will have on our state and nation if left unaddressed. The Alzheimer’s Association commends her for focusing on the creation of policies and supporting legislation regarding the implementation of programs for affected residents, while simultaneously addressing Illinois’ significant fiscal crisis,” added Belkov.

Currently, Pihos is championing Senate Bill 3098 and House Bill 4630, which seeks to ensure Alzheimer’s-specific training for first responders. The state-wide legislative initiative will focus on enhancing the response for Alzheimer’s patients by instructing those in emergency situations on how to effectively communicate with and assist persons with impaired cognitive functioning. Pihos and likeminded representatives in the state legislature see the immense need for this initiative, as the number of Illinois citizens living with Alzheimer’s disease steadily increases.

“I truly appreciate and support the work this organization does on behalf of the more than 210,000 Illinois residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and I look forward to the continuation of our critical and effective partnership,” Pihos said.

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association’s work with state legislators or its public policy efforts, contact Jen Belkov, Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy, at jbelkov@alz.org.