This bill proposes the addition of a new section, [120B.213] HEALTHY AGING AND DEMENTIA EDUCATION, to the Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B, which encourages school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on healthy aging and dementia for students in grades 6 through 12. The instruction should align with local health standards and be integrated into existing programs or the general school environment. By July 1, 2026, and every even-numbered year thereafter, the commissioner of education, in collaboration with the commissioner of health and dementia advocacy organizations, is required to supply age-appropriate resources on healthy aging and dementia to these educational institutions.
The bill also includes an effective date of July 1, 2025, for the new section. This initiative aims to enhance students' understanding of brain health, Alzheimer's disease, and caregiving for elders with cognitive impairments, thereby promoting awareness and education on these important health issues.