A bill that would increase awareness surrounding degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia in Indiana passed in committee.
The House Committee on Public Health passed HB 1029, which increases public awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia through educational outreach, with a 13-0 vote on Jan. 13. The bill would require the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) to add information on its website, include the diseases in existing public health campaigns and develop training opportunities for health care workers, according to a press release.
“This is a much-needed step forward,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said in a statement. “Close to 11% of Hoosiers over 65 have Alzheimer’s. That’s why these diseases need to be included in Indiana’s public health outreach. People need to know the risk factors, the signs and their treatment options. Better education leads to better prevention and intervention.”
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Porter was a caregiver for his late mother, who had Alzheimer’s, and proposed the bill in her honor. He said he looks forward to “getting it across the finish line” for Hoosier seniors.
“HB 1029 is also a labor of love,” Porter said. “You watch your loved one change right before your eyes. I basically had two mothers, one before and one after. Most family members, who provide unpaid care, don’t know how to manage it. That’s another reason why education is essential. Family members gain a deeper understanding of how to provide compassionate, dignified care.”
For more information on HB 1029, visit https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1029/details
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
