SB345

Senate Bill 345 mandates that the Arkansas Department of Human Services, specifically the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services, establish a full-time position for a Dementia Services Coordinator. The primary objective of this new role is to centralize and improve the coordination of dementia-related services across state agencies and private organizations. The coordinator is tasked with analyzing state data to enhance public health outcomes, preventing the duplication of services, and identifying grant opportunities for dementia-related programs. Additionally, the coordinator will support staff training initiatives for agencies such as law enforcement and human services. The position is also responsible for streamlining government services to improve the quality of care in home, community-based, and residential settings. Ultimately, the bill seeks to promote public awareness and better support both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.