After a two-day meeting of government leaders and private sector experts that focused on the proposed framework of an historic national plan to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, Eric J. Hall, founding president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and a member of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services established by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA),on January 19 released this statement:

“Our nation is placing an intense and unprecedented focus on Alzheimer’s disease right now, giving hope to Americans that the bold recommendations and thoughtful discussion that emerged during his meeting of the Advisory Council and ongoing will result in a powerful plan that turns the tide of the disease.

“In the year since NAPA was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has consistently sought input from family caregivers, clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and the general public about their personal and professional experiences with Alzheimer’s disease, their recommendations for change and their hopes that the NAPA process goes beyond a ‘check the box exercise.’

Their voices formed the basis of AFA’s report ‘No Time to Waste,’ which provides hard-hitting recommendations that align with the draft plan being discussed by the Advisory Council. “Never before has our nation been poised like this to pursue and achieve what Americans facing this devastating brain disorder demand and deserve.

We are at a pivotal juncture to alter the current course of Alzheimer’s disease, and we must act aggressively yet realistically in order to carry the momentum forward.

“Since fiscal concerns and the growth of the Alzheimer’s population cannot go unnoticed, it is critical that we design this plan with incremental, fundable and attainable goals, which include substantially increasing our scientific knowledge surrounding the disease; preventing, delaying and slowing progression of symptoms; researching and implementing best practices of care; providing much-needed support services for families; and ultimately obtaining the cure we are all waiting for.

“There’s no doubt that we have no time to waste, but it will be vital to engage Congress and sustain their commitment in order to achieve a national plan to defeat Alzheimer’s disease and help countless families now and in the future. Much work lies ahead, but I am confident that we are on the right path toward the resolution of this crisis.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) released its “No Time to Waste” report in October 2011 in response to the mandate by NAPA for federal officials to develop an integrated national plan to defeat Alzheimer’s disease.  AFA’s report urges wide-scale public awareness campaigns, including messaging to drive earlier detection and to “shift the focus from fear to acceptance of the disease.”

Other calls for action include: a substantial investment in research toward the prevention, treatment, care and cure of Alzheimer’s disease; additional dementia training and reimbursement for primary care clinicians; and greater training and support for family caregivers of all demographics, including teenagers and ethnic populations, across the continuum of care.

At the Advisory Council meeting this week, Hall further recommended family-friendly workplace policies; tax breaks for expenses related to care giving of loved ones with Alzheimer’ disease; and Medicare-provided support services, such as respite care, that can greatly benefit both individuals with the disease and the health and well-being of family caregivers.   Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/AlzheimersFoundationofAmerica

The article Forward Movement for National Alzheimer’s Plan appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International President Veda Shook issued the following statement today after AMR, the parent company of American Eagle and American Airlines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

“As details emerge regarding the restructuring of American Eagle and American Airlines, AFA is prepared to represent the best interests of the American Eagle Flight Attendants. The AFA leadership at American Eagle is fully engaged in responding to the bankruptcy filing and, along with our financial and legal advisors, will monitor developments closely.

We also are committed to working closely with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, coordinating efforts as we protect our Flight Attendant careers. ”AFA will continue to defend the jobs, pay and benefits for the over 1,500 Flight Attendants at American Eagle.

We are committed to protecting American Eagle Flight Attendants, ensuring the long-term success of the airline and working swiftly through the bankruptcy process with as little disruption as possible. Today’s filing does not change pay, benefits or working conditions for Flight Attendants as their contract remains intact.

“Flight Attendants will continue our work as the safety professionals we are proud to be.  We will work closely with all of our fellow front-line workers and their unions throughout the bankruptcy.  As members of AFA, American Eagle Flight Attendants remain proud of the contributions they make daily to the airline.

Chapter 11 is not an excuse to lay failed business decisions on the backs of the hard-working Flight Attendants.  Pure and simple: Flight Attendants and other front-line workers are the airline’s greatest asset and they should be recognized and respected as such. ”AFA will ensure Flight Attendants play an integral role in the reshaping and rebuilding of American Eagle.

AFA and our team of bankruptcy experts will work tirelessly to see that creative solutions are utilized throughout this process.  We know — and management knows — what happens when a carrier fights with its workers in bankruptcy. The key to successful bankruptcy reorganization is commitment to working together toward a strong future.

“AFA has vast experience in restructuring and we have been successful in preserving our profession along the way. With AFA’s legal and collective bargaining experience, American Eagle Flight Attendants have industry-leading resources at their disposal.”

The article Union Prepared to Protect Flight Attendants in Airline Bankruptcy appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.