ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ENGAGES COMMUNITY IN DEMENTIA CONVERSATION DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Community Invited to Virtual Program on February 16
MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 27, 2022 – In celebration of Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter will host a virtual community outreach program on February 16 at 2:00 p.m. in partnership with St. Mark African American Episcopal Church (A.M.E.C.). The program, “You are Not Alone: Dementia Perspectives, Conversation and Insight,” is free and open to all community members and will feature a special keynote by Beverly Berry, Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Alzheimer’s Association National Office. Berry, who was instrumental in the formation of a nationwide partnership with the A.M.E. Churches, will speak on the significant impact of dementia on the African American community and how partnerships are being used to better reach African Americans and provide the community with important information on dementia, detection, diagnosis, care, treatment, research and advocacy.
Dr. Joy Gallmon, Pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, will also be present to share her thoughts about the needs she has witnessed in the local community for dementia education, care and support for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. Diane Milner, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter will provide an overview of the free care and support services that are available through the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter.
“This event will be a sharing of a rich history, research, information about health disparities, resources and opportunities for access to information and assistance including an online chat for real time questions and answers,” said Milner. “This important information affects almost every African American family, caregiver or friend relationship and I encourage everyone to attend.”
Attendees are invited to register for the online program at https://bit.ly/notalone216 or call 800.272.3900. The program can be accessed online or via phone and connection information will be sent upon registration. Anyone can attend this free program and you do not need to be a church member.
Studies indicate African-Americans are about twice as likely as older whites to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Recognizing this increased risk, the Association and AME are aiming to engage the church’s massive nationwide network of 2.5 million members. AME is one of the largest Methodist denominations in the world and has persistently advocated for the civil and human rights of African Americans through social improvement, religious autonomy and political engagement since its founding in 1816. St. Mark A.M.E. Church was founded in Milwaukee in 1869, and was the only Black Religious organization in Wisconsin at that time.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 Facts and Figures report focused the spotlight on health and socioeconomic disparities and systemic racism as contributing to increased Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in communities of color.
Findings from the 2021 Facts and Figures Special Report – Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America:
- Half of African Americans (50%) report they’ve experienced discrimination when seeking health care.
- Only 48% of African Americans feel confident there is access to providers who are culturally competent.
- Concern about developing Alzheimer’s is lower among African Americans (35%) especially when compared with Whites (48%).
- More than half of non-White Americans believe significant loss of memory or cognitive abilities is “a normal part of aging.”
- African Americans are twice as likely as Whites to say they would not see a doctor if experiencing thinking or memory problems.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our Mission: the Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. For more information, visit www.alz.org
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