Touching Hearts at Home Executive Director returns from Washington, D.C. to advocate for Alzheimer’s

Press release from Touching Hearts at Home

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Christina M. Ramos, Executive Director of Touching Hearts at Home and a longtime advocate for seniors and Alzheimer’s families, recently returned from Washington, D.C. after participating in the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum, where she met with members of Congress and congressional staff to advocate for legislation that could transform Alzheimer’s care across Florida and the nation.

Representing Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, Ramos joined advocates from across the country to urge support for the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act (ASAP Act), bipartisan legislation designed to improve access to innovative Alzheimer’s diagnostic testing, including FDA-approved blood-based biomarkers that can help identify Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately. More than 9 in 10 Americans say they would want a simple test to allow for early treatment. The Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act (S. 3267 / H.R. 6130) would permit Medicare to cover Alzheimer’s blood tests.

For Ramos, the issue is deeply personal. More than 15 years ago, her family started Touching Hearts at Home after witnessing firsthand the challenges of caring for her grandmother, Rita “Nana” Noa, who battled Alzheimer’s disease. Like countless families across America, the Ramos family spent years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis.

“My grandmother’s diagnosis took nearly three years,” said Ramos. “Those were three years of uncertainty, questions, frustration, and missed opportunities to plan and access care, medication, clinical trials, and support. Families today should not have to endure that same journey when science has given us tools that can help provide answers sooner. We are just waiting on congress to say YES to the ASAP Act. We need individuals to make calls and send letters to their State Representatives.”

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects more than 580,000 diagnosed Floridians, a number expected to rise significantly as the state’s population ages – and many more if families have access to proper testing and diagnosis. This is why it is critical that Florida’s State Representatives support the ASAP Act.

“This is not a partisan issue – it is not red or blue. This is a healthcare issue, a family issue, and a Florida issue to end Alzheimer’s – it’s a purple issue,” Ramos said. “For decades, Congress has supported access to preventive screenings and diagnostic tools for diseases such as breast cancer and prostate cancer because we understand that early detection and treatment matters. Mammograms and prostate screenings are now routine parts of healthcare because policymakers recognized their value. Similarly, Alzheimer’s families deserve the same opportunity.”

Ramos emphasized that while Alzheimer’s blood tests are not a cure, they have the potential to provide earlier answers, improve care planning, connect patients with available treatments and clinical studies sooner, and help families make informed decisions about their future.

“The science exists. The technology and FDA-approved test exist. The overwhelming need exists,” Ramos said. “Science is moving faster than our healthcare system, and Alzheimer’s patients and families don’t have the time to wait, as the treatment window is limited and valuable time is being lost. Congress must act. We need our State Representatives to vote YES to the ASAP Act, ASAP.”

Ramos expressed gratitude to Florida leaders who have already stepped forward in support of Alzheimer’s families.

“I want to thank Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Vern Buchanan from the bottom of my heart for co-sponsoring and supporting this important legislation,” said Ramos. “Their leadership demonstrates that Florida can be at the forefront of improving Alzheimer’s care, research, and early detection.”

As one of the states most heavily impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, Ramos believes Florida has a unique responsibility to lead.

“Florida is home to one of the largest senior populations in the country. We should be leading the conversation about Alzheimer’s care, not sitting on the sidelines. States like New York, California, and Texas are already on board. Floridians in our great state deserve it. Every day we delay action is another day families are left waiting for answers and not receiving treatment.”

In addition to leading one of Florida’s most recognized home care organizations, Ramos has dedicated years to Alzheimer’s advocacy, fundraising, education, and community service. She has traveled to Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee to advocate for increased Alzheimer’s research funding, served in leadership roles supporting seniors throughout North Central Florida, and helped organize numerous community initiatives benefiting older adults and family caregivers. Christina and her father Ruben have both been Walk to End Alzheimer’s Walk Chairs, and Touching Hearts at Home remains an annual sponsor.

Ramos is encouraging Floridians, healthcare professionals, caregivers, community leaders, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease to contact their federal representatives and urge support for legislation that expands access to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating health challenges facing Florida families. It steals memories, independence, and precious time that can never be replaced, which should be utilized for early treatment. We now have technology that can help people receive answers earlier and access care sooner. Florida families are waiting for Congress to do the right thing. Now we need our elected leaders to act and say YES to the ASAP Act.”