Alzheimer’s Association® to Train 17 Community Representatives to Expand Services in the African-American Community
Marc Gentzler
Published: February 1, 2012
Because African-Americans are about two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than Caucasians, and in honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter is partnering with Chicago State University to train 17 PharmD candidates to deliver much needed programming to the African-American Community.
"It is vitally important that we not only educate our students about diseases plaguing the global community but also equip them with resources and skills to meet the needs of the community as future health-care practitioners, said Angela C. Riley, IPPE Coordinator, Office of Experiential Education, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Chicago State University College of Pharmacy and member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter Board of Directors. “We are very excited about the program and all that it entails, as Chicago State University College of Pharmacy is dedicated to the mission of the university to strengthen the provision of culturally competent care and reduce health-care disparities. Working with the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to develop Chicago State University College of Pharmacy students as Alzheimer’s Association community representatives will further support this mission."
The training will be conducted byBeverly Kimmons, M.S., Director, Diversity Initiatives for the Greater Illinois Chapter. Once trained the Alzheimer’s Association Community Representatives, will deliver community education programs, attend health fairs on Chapter’s behalf and speak to community groups about the mission, programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association. This exciting opportunity will help expand the presence of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter within the African-American Community.
In theUnited States, an estimated 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and someone develops the disease every 69 seconds. InIllinois, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is 210,000; the number is expected to increase by 14% to 240,000 in the next fifteen years. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow, steady loss of memory, reasoning and other thinking tasks. The costs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are substantial – and if left unaddressed will bankrupt our State. InIllinois, nearly 580,000 caregivers, contribute more that 659 million hours of unpaid care, at an estimated value of more than $7.8 billion.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or to learn how to become an Alzheimer’s Association Community Representative call 847.933.2413 or visit www.alz.org/illinois.
About the Alzheimer’s Association - The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and cure for Alzheimer’s. Since 1980, the donor supported, nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. The Greater Illinois Chapter serves 68 counties with offices in Bloomington, Carbondale, Chicago, Joliet, Rockford and Springfield. For more information, call our Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/illinois.