Press Release (En español)
For Immediate Release
press.office@ssa.gov
Alzheimer's Association Gives Commissioner Astrue Humanitarian Award for 2010
The Alzheimer's Association today presented Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, with their 2010 Humanitarian Award. This honor is given each year to a public official who has made a significant contribution to help those who are struggling with Alzheimer's disease. In recognizing Commissioner Astrue, the Alzheimer's Association noted, "his exceptional leadership in creating the Compassionate Allowances Initiative and the decision to include early-onset Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in that initiative."
"Commissioner Astrue has worked tirelessly to ensure that disabled Americans receive the Social Security disability benefits they've earned in a timely way," said President Barack Obama. "I congratulate Mike for receiving this honor, and I know he joins me in admiration for the tremendous work that the Alzheimer's Association does every day."
Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, stated "On behalf of all the individuals who now won't have to go through a long decision process and multiple lengthy appeals to obtain their benefits, the Alzheimer's Association is proud to honor Commissioner Astrue for establishing this initiative which helps to ease the burden of so many families."
Past recipients of the Alzheimer's Association's Humanitarian Award include President Ronald Reagan, Senators Arlen Specter, Tom Harkin, Mark Hatfield, Barbara Mikulski, Jay Rockefeller, Charles Grassley and Blanche Lincoln, Representatives Steny Hoyer and Edward Markey, and Josefina Carbonell, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Aging.
To learn more about Social Security's Compassionate Allowances initiative, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
To read the Alzheimer's Association announcement, go to www.alz.org/news_and_events_03082010.asp.