NYS Coordinating Council for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia

Statute

There is hereby created in the department of health a coordinating council for services related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, to facilitate interagency planning and policy, review specific agency initiatives for their impact on services related to the care of persons with dementia and their families, and provide a continuing forum for concerns and discussion related to the formulation of a comprehensive state policy relating to Alzheimer's disease and services for persons with incurable dementia.

The New York State Coordinating Council for Services Related to Alzheimer´s Disease and Other Dementias (Council) was established by Public Health Law § 2004-a (enacted by Chapter 58 of the Laws of 2007, Part B, § 25). The Council was created to facilitate interagency planning and policy-making, review specific agency initiatives for their impact on services related to the care of persons with dementia and their families, and provide a continuing forum for concerns and discussions related to the formulation of a comprehensive state policy for Alzheimer´s disease (AD).

The Council is charged with providing periodic reports to the Governor and the Legislature. The reports must set forth the Council´s recommendations for state policy relating to dementia and include a review of services initiated and coordinated by public and private agencies to meet the needs of persons with Alzheimer´s disease and related dementias and their families, this report provides a beginning to this review.

These reports provide general information about Alzheimer´s disease and related dementias, an overview of issues, examples, and recommendations to address challenges faced by patients and their caregivers in the community, and outline the next steps for the Council, all of which emanated from both community forums and Council discussions. Future reports will incorporate a strategic plan to address these issues as well as those associated with mild cognitive impairment, and focus on early detection, primary and secondary prevention, and public awareness.

Contact Information

Membership

The Council consists of 21 designees appointed by the Governor and Legislature. Membership represents New York State offices of the Department of Health, Office for the Aging, Education Department, Office of Children and Family Services, Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and also includes experts in the field of Alzheimer's Disease, and related dementias, and elder care issues. Representation includes but is not limited to not-for-profit corporations, clinical or research experts, family members or caregivers.

Name Degree Authorization Category County of Residence
Dr. Louis Belzie MD, MPH, FAPA Governor Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia Nassau
Denise Cavanaugh Ed.D. Governor Family Member or Caregiver Herkimer
John Cochran Director of NYSOFA NYSOFA Designee, Council Co-chair Green
Carl Cohen MD Temporary President of the Senate Clinical or Research expert, family member or caregiver Kings
Teresa Galbier MPA Minority Leader of the Assembly Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, or other dementia or elder care issues, Monroe
Dr. William Higgins MD, MBA Temporary President of the Senate Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia or elder care issues Westchester
Catherine James BS Temporary President of the Senate Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia or elder care issues Seneca
Julie Kelleher MS, BS Commissioner OCFS Designee Saratoga
Andrew Lebwohl JD Commissioner DOH Designee, Council Co-Chair New York
Jed Levine MA Governor Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia or elder care issues New York
Carol Podgorski PhD, MPH, LMFT Governor Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia or elder care issues Monroe
George Shaw BSN, RN Commissioner OPWDD Designee Albany
Maxine Smalling MSN, BSN, RN Commissioner OMH Designee Albany
Elizabeth Smith-Boivin BA, MSHSA Governor Represent not-for-profit corporations part of a statewide network Albany
Suzanne Sullivan Commissioner NYSED Designee
James Taylor BA, MBA Governor Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia or elder care issues New York
Vacant Governor Represent not-for-profit corporations part of a statewide network
Vacant Speaker of the Assembly Clinical or research expert
Vacant Speaker of the Assembly Family member or caregiver
Vacant Speaker of the Assembly Has expertise in Alzheimer's disease, other dementia or elder care issues

Process for Filling Vacancies

Vacancies resulting from a Council member's resignation shall be filled with candidates who meet the requirements of the membership as provided for in Public Health Law § 2004-a.

Candidates interested in the vacancy process can reach out to: alz@health.ny.gov

Expenses and Reimbursement Information

The members of the council receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for travel and other expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

  • Costs FY 2020-21: $0
  • Costs FY 2021-22: $0
  • Costs FY 2022-23: $0
  • Est. Costs FY 2023-24: $0
  • Est. Costs FY 2025-26: $0

Upcoming Meetings:

  • March 4, 2024
  • June 10, 2024
  • September 23, 2024
  • December 9, 2024

Bi-annual Reports

Past Meetings:

2023 Meeting Documents

2022 Meeting Documents

2021 Meetings

2020 Meetings