The U.S. Postal Service is releasing a 42-cent Alzheimer’s Social Awareness Postage Stamp. The public is invited to a special Pierce County unveiling at 10:30 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 13 (NOTE: Pierce County has changed the date from Oct. 23) at the University Place Post Office branch, 6817 27th St. W.
Postal Service officials will join community leaders and Alzheimer’s Association representatives at the unveiling. Individuals will have the opportunity to purchase the new stamp.
The stamp draws attention to the importance of caregivers in the lives of those who have the disease. “For the person with Alzheimer’s, that interaction with the caregiver means everything,” said art director Ethel Kessler.
“The importance of family caregivers in the lives of individuals with Alzheimer’s cannot be underestimated,” said Sally Nixon, manager of Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care. “Supporting the tireless efforts of these heroes is essential for the community.”
An estimated 5.2 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that without a cure or effective treatments to delay the onset or progression of Alzheimer’s disease, the prevalence could soar to 7.7 million people with the disease by 2030 and up to 16 million by 2050.
