Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Summary#

ACR 222 is an enacted concurrent resolution, not a statute, and it does not amend another law. It declares June 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month and urges Californians to commemorate it. Its stated goal is to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and brain health.

  • The resolution calls on all Californians to commemorate the month, but does not require them to do so.
  • It directs the Assembly’s Chief Clerk to send copies of the resolution to its author for distribution.
  • It does not create a program, change health services or benefits, or impose a legal duty on residents, businesses, or health care providers.

What it means for you#

  • Californians: The resolution urged you to commemorate June 2026. That month has passed, and the resolution does not require any action.
  • People with Alzheimer’s disease and caregivers: It recognizes their needs, but does not provide services or change access to diagnosis, treatment, or support.
  • Taxpayers and people who contribute to research funds: It does not change taxes or the voluntary contribution funds mentioned in the resolution.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

  • The resolution does not appropriate money, require staffing, or create a funded program.
  • It gives no estimate of the cost of any awareness activities.

What is unclear#

  • The resolution does not specify what “commemorate” means or what activities, if any, should take place.
  • No publicly available information is provided about state activities or spending tied to the month.
  • It sets no process or measure for assessing whether awareness increased.

Case for#

  • The resolution cites the number of Californians living with Alzheimer’s disease and the unpaid assistance provided by family caregivers as reasons to draw attention to the issue.
  • It also points to gaps in diagnosis and projected increases in Alzheimer’s disease, including increases affecting some communities of color.
  • A possible argument for the resolution is that a public awareness month can recognize people affected by the disease and focus attention on brain health without imposing new legal requirements.

Case against#

  • The resolution is symbolic: it urges commemoration but does not fund services or require steps to address the needs it describes.
  • It does not say what public agencies, health care providers, or others should do, or how progress would be measured.
  • A possible trade-off is that the resolution raises awareness as a goal without setting out actions to address the cited gaps in diagnosis and support.

Votes

Be adopted. To third reading

For (100%)