U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, representing Missouri’s 8th Congressional District,was recently honored by the National Grange with a Rural Health Champion Award for his efforts to improve Alzheimer’s care and diagnostics in rural communities.
Smith, whose district includes south-central Missouri, was one of seven bipartisan lawmakers recognized by the community-driven organization. The annual awards highlight leaders who promote brain health and work to expand access to innovative Alzheimer’s screenings.
“Alzheimer's has touched families in every corner of rural America, and for too long those families have been left to face it with fewer resources, fewer specialists, and fewer options,” said National Grange President Christine Hamp. “Geography should never determine whether someone receives a diagnosis in time to benefit from treatment — and right now, for too many rural Americans, it does.”
The organization recently released a report detailing the disproportionate burden Alzheimer’s places on rural America due to structural barriers that delay diagnosis, impose staggering costs and limit access to emerging therapies.
To address these challenges, the Grange is advocating for the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act. The legislation would create a clear pathway for Medicare to cover FDA-cleared blood tests for Alzheimer's screening. Earlier detection allows patients to plan for the future, connect with support services and participate in clinical trials.
