Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood recently participated in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's event in Peoria. In an October 9 Facebook post, he expressed gratitude, stating, "Thanks to the Alzheimer's Association and all the volunteers for putting on another outstanding event this year."

"It was great to join over 750 fellow Peorians supporting and participating in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's," said LaHood, U.S. Representative, according to Facebook. "I've been proud to introduce legislation such as the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer's Act and the CHANGE Act to help support patients, families and caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's. Thanks to the Alzheimer's Association and all the volunteers for putting on another outstanding event this year! Thanks to the Alzheimer's Association and all the volunteers for putting on another outstanding event this year!"

According to LaHood's Facebook post, he highlighted the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act, also known as HR 1637. The bill was introduced on March 17, 2023, and referred to the Subcommittee on Health a week later. The legislation proposes that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation could test a Dementia Care Management Model specifically designed for Alzheimer's and related dementia patients covered by Medicare. Under this model, healthcare providers would receive payments from Medicare for comprehensive care management services offered to individuals diagnosed with dementia, with certain exceptions. The required services outlined in the Act include medication management, care coordination, monitoring, and training and support services for unpaid caregivers. Additionally, providers must ensure patients have access to team members around the clock.

Screenshot of Congressman Darin LaHood's Oct. 9 Facebook post | Congressman Darin LaHood's Facebook page

In June, another bill sponsored by LaHood—the Concentrating on High Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act—progressed out of the Ways and Means Committee as part of the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act. According to a June 28 news release from his office, this legislation aims to support high-value Alzheimer's patient care, caregiver support, and research initiatives.

The Peoria Walk to End Alzheimer's saw participation from over a dozen teams who collectively raised $92,213.46 as reported by the event's top participants web page.

LaHood has represented Illinois since 2015. Initially serving in the 18th Congressional District until redistricting shifted him to represent the 16th District in 2023. His political career includes four years in the state senate from 2011-2015. He also served as a state and federal prosecutor for more than nine years with experience at the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to his official biography, LaHood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School; he resides in Peoria with his wife.