Town hall-style meeting to mobilize local community members in the
fight against Alzheimer’s disease –
Charleston, WV, August 25, 2020 – The Alzheimer’s Association WV Chapter will host Community Forums on Wednesday, September 16th and Wednesday, September 23rd virtually via Zoom. Call-in attendance will also be available. The forums will focus on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and provide opportunities for residents of all ages to come together and ask questions about the disease, share their personal experiences, learn about available resources and discover volunteer opportunities to support families affected by the disease.
“We can best serve our communities by listening first,” said Sharon M. Rotenberry, Executive Director. “We have a variety of care and support services, as well as ways for people to get involved with the Association. However, we have to first seek to understand the needs of each community in order to best provide the right resources and information.”
The Alzheimer’s Association believes no individual or family should navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease alone. Community forums hosted by the Association bring together families affected by the disease with dedicated staff and volunteers to open conversation in an effort to
bolster resources, programs and services to support families in their communities.
Teresa Morris, Program Director for the WV Chapter stated, : “We understand the importance of Alzheimer’s disease care and support programs and services. These Forums are hosted by the Association across the country to give individual communities the opportunity to mobilize in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. Just talking about the disease with friends and neighbors empowers others to know that they are not alone.”
Working together with local volunteers, the Alzheimer’s Association can ensure families across the region have the resources needed to face the many challenges associated with navigating how dementia affects their loved ones as well as their family members. Community volunteers are essential in helping the Alzheimer’s Association best serve the needs of families affected by the disease, in driving awareness and engaging West Virginians in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Community Forums will be held Wednesday, September 16th is from 11 am to 12 pm. And Wednesday, September 23rd from 2 pm – 3 pm. Registration is free. Information on connecting to the events will be shared at the time of registration. To RSVP, contact the Chapter at (304) 343-2717, or call 800-272-3900. Online registration is available at alz.org/wv
There are more than 39,000 West Virginians living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. That number is projected to reach over 44,000 by 2025.
About Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz.org/wv or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.