Alzheimer's stamp being released

The U.S. Postal Service is doing its part to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s.

At a caregivers meeting at the New Hanover County Senior Center Monday, the local postal service spokeswoman presented the stamp.

Caregivers and educators hope the stamp will educate people across the nation. Specialists say there is someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease every 71 seconds and it's the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

“It’s very important that we are doing the national recognition of Alzheimer's disease and hope to get more people involved with research and fundraising to support the caregivers, and those people with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Holly Henderson, a caregiver resource specialist.

The stamp costs 42 cents just like other stamps, but Alzheimer’s awareness advocates hope the USPS will up the price and give the proceeds to research, much like what happens with the breast cancer stamp.

The stamps were released Friday, and there are 65 million in circulation.