New Alzheimer’s Social Awareness Stamp to be unveiled at Main Post Office

Stamp recognizes importance of knowing more about Alzheimer’s disease

PITTSBURGH — Postmaster Jim Johnston II and Alzheimer’s Association of Pittsburgh Program & Outreach Coordinator Lois Lutz will unveil the new Alzheimer’s Awareness commemorative postage stamp at the Pittsburgh Main Post Office at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 17. The special unveiling of the stamp will be held in the retail lobby with information to be provided on Alzheimer’s care by Ms. Lutz.

The stamp recognizes the importance of knowing more about Alzheimer’s in an effort to help raise awareness and support among caregivers. The 42-cent stamp will be made available at Post Offices nationwide beginning October 17.

“For more than half a century, the Postal Service has issued special stamps to help raise public awareness about important health and social issues. Through this stamp, we are proud to call attention to Alzheimer’s disease,” said Johnston. “It is our hope that the Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp will encourage the public to learn to recognize the symptoms of the disease, understand what to do for those who have the disease, and lend their support to find a cure.”

Who:
Pittsburgh Postmaster Jim Johnston II and Outreach & Program Coordinator Lois Lutz from the Alzheimer’s Association of Pittsburgh.

What:
Unveiling of Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp at the Pittsburgh Main Post Office.

When:
Thursday, October 17, 2008
Unveiling at 10 a.m.

Where:
Pittsburgh Main Post Office – Retail Lobby
1001 California Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Why:
Experts estimate that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most common form of dementia among older people, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.