ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
Meet the Member
Meet the Member: Alzheimer's Association Each month, we learn from a Chamber member about their offerings, history, a unique fact, and their business outlook No one should face Alzheimer's and all other dementia alone. The Alzheimer's Association offers no-charge support, education, and resources to help families. With over nine offices, including one in Rochester, the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter ensures that help is never far away. We spoke to Director of Communications with the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, Amy Wartick, to learn more about the Alzheimer's Association. Q: Tell us about the Alzheimer's Association. What does your organization offer to the Rochester region? A: The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit leading the way to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. We advocate for state and federal legislation to change policies and increase resources, partner with physicians and healthcare systems, and have 1,100 active research projects in 56 countries. In Minnesota, there are nearly 102,000 people living with Alzheimer’s supported by 164,000 unpaid caregivers. Alzheimer’s takes more lives than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined in the U.S. Our Minnesota-North Dakota chapter provides local no- cost classes, support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers, resources, and a 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. We also offer a range of no-cost presentations for businesses and community groups to increase awareness and support employees impacted by dementia. Q: How did it start for the Alzheimer's Association? A : The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals interested in advancing research, with Jerome Stone as our founding president. When his wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed in 1970, information about Alzheimer’s — even among the medical community — was limited. He took a disease cloaked in silence and helped to create a global conversation.
Today, we continue to fight stigma by raising awareness and providing support.
Q: The Alzheimer's Association has been a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce since 2004. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: The Chamber provides great opportunities for networking, fostering relationships, collaboration and gaining visibility within the community. We are always working to raise awareness of our education classes and partnership opportunities with a broad range of organizations. While we are a national nonprofit, there are local staff eager to connect. For questions, contact Anne Winfrey, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sr. Fundraising Manager, at akwinfrey@alz.org. A: This is a cause that will touch most of our lives in some way, and it is easy for anyone to get involved and make a difference. Volunteers lead our community support groups, hold education classes, raise funds for our programs and research, meet with legislators and support our events. One way for individuals or businesses to join the fight is by walking or sponsoring our upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s Rochester, happening on September 14, 2024. Details are at alz.org/walk. Q: What is a unique fact people should know about the Alzheimer's Association? Q: What is the outlook for your organization and industry? A: This is an exciting time with the recent FDA approval of new treatments that slow the early stages of Alzheimer’s, giving people more time with their loved ones. Research is continuing, so we have hope that more treatments in the pipeline will help people at all stages, and that we will eventually find a cure. If you notice memory issues that impact daily living in yourself or someone else, talk to your doctor right away. Early diagnosis makes a big difference.
To learn more about the Alzheimer's Association, visit www.alz.org/mnnd
JUNE 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 19
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