News Releases

Kauffman Appointed to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council

October 31, 2013

Baltimore, Md. – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has appointed Karen S. Kauffman, PhD, CRNP-BC, FAAN, associate professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Health at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), to serve on the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council. Kauffman is one of 14 distinguished individuals who have been selected to serve on the Council.

“Nearly 86,000 persons in Maryland are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. It is the sixth leading cause of death in America, and the only cause of death among the top 10 without a way to stop, slow, or prevent its progression,” Kauffman said. “I am honored to have been appointed to the Council, and value the opportunity to work with others who are truly committed to improving quality care and support for persons with the disease and their families and caregivers.”

According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately 5.1 million Americans are believed to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The Council has been tasked with developing strategies that enhance the quality of care, improving access to information resources and coordination services, supporting prevention and early detection for inclusion in the state plan, developing a public education campaign, and improving data collection capacity.

Additionally, the Council, established in the 2013 session of the Maryland General Assembly, will continue the work initiated by the Maryland Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission. 

“Both individuals and their families face enormous challenges in terms of health and financial well-being when faced with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  Dr. Kauffman has served as the only nurse on the National Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association for the past eight years, and is serving her second term on the Board of the Association’s Greater Maryland Chapter,” said UMSON Dean Jane Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN. “She continues to dedicate herself to serving individuals and families who are living with the disease. The governor made an outstanding choice in her appointment.  We are extremely proud of her and know that the Council and the state will greatly benefit from her experience and commitment.”   

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools, and is ranked eleventh nationally. Enrolling more than 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.