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February 2014 |
A Message to YOU from our Executive Director |
We recently received wonderful news that our efforts are paying off both here at home and in Washington, D.C. For those of you who have not heard, President Obama just signed the 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill which included a $122 million increase in Alzheimer’s funding! Most of this funding - $100 million - is specifically designated for research spending through the National Institute on Aging. The rest will go toward care and support programs. This marks the most federal spending on Alzheimer’s in history. This bill moved through Congress with bipartisan support, which means that your efforts are paying off. Thank you for raising your voices and spreading the word to our legislators! The National Institutes of Health currenty spends over $1 billion on diabetes research, care and support, over $3 billion on HIV/AIDS and over $5 billion on cancer. The great news is that we’ve seen amazing progress through research on these and other leading causes of death that have improved and saved lives. We know that we can get there with Alzheimer’s also, but we still have a long ways to go. Please help us change the course of Alzheimer’s disease by becoming an Alzheimer’s advocate. Every voice counts and is making a difference! To sign up as an advocate, please click here! With sincere grateful for raising your voice,
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Holiday Annual Appeal Raises Over $27,000 |
Thanks to many donations from supporters like YOU and the generous matching grant from NuStep Corporation of Ann Arbor, we are thrilled to announce that our annual appeal raised more than $27,000 this year. These donations will directly fund support programs and services for families and their loved ones with Alzheimer's.
"We are incredibly grateful for this outpouring of support," said Jennifer Howard.. "The chapter relies on the goodwill of our donors to continue to meet the growing need for Alzheimer's support and education services as the prevalence of this disease continues to rise. "We also are very thankful to NuStep, which has provided a generous matching grant for the holiday appeal for the past five years."
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Celebrate Black History Month |
As the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to raising awareness of this fatal brain disease and its warning signs in diverse populations during Black History Month in February and year round. According to the 2013 Facts and Figures report, African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's disease or another dementia than whites but less likely to have a diagnosis.
Many people dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer's, believing that they are merely a part of typical aging. While there are currently no treatments to stop or even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, early detection and diagnosis can allow for earlier use of available treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer. Delays in diagnosis mean that African-Americans are not getting treatments when they are most likely to be effective at improving quality of life, as well as taking critical steps to educate themselves on Alzheimer’s and establish support networks. The Association provides culturally and linguistically appropriate resources and materials for many diverse audiences, such as an African-American web portal that highlights information and issues that might be of concern to African-Americans.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter aims to raise awareness within the African-American community about Alzheimer’s through community education. We believe that vital information about risk, symptoms, diagnosis and planning can be circulated effectively and offered to a large population of African-American constituents through faith-based partnerships.
Our vision entails forging new relationships with churches and gaining access to their congregations during established meeting times (Bible study groups, small group meetings, etc.). Chapter staff will present two education programs (Know the Ten Signs: Early Detection Matters and The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease) - providing essential information to individuals and families.
In addition to our goal of making critical information available, we also hope to increase our African-American volunteer base. We will provide training to interested congregational members so they can become volunteer education presenters and/or caregiver support group facilitators. A new core of African American volunteers will better sustain our outreach efforts and enhance our provision of Association programs and services to our chapter constituents.
If your church’s health ministry is interested in partnering with us on this outreach project, or if you would like more information about the warning signs, our project or volunteer opportunities, please contact Barb Betts Swartz at 800.272.3900 or bbetts@alz.org.
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2014 Walk to End Alzheimer's |
We are excited to announce our 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer's tentative locations and dates!
Ann Arbor - September 28 Brighton - September 14 Chelsea Area - September 27 Jackson - September 14 Kalamazoo County - Date TBD Lansing - September 21 Ludington - September 7 Lenawee County (Adrian) - September 21 Monroe County - September 20 Muskegon - September 27 St. Joseph - August 16
What is the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s?
- It is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
- It is held annually in more than 650 communities nationwide.
- It is an inspiring event that calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions.
How can you get involved in Walk?
- Start or join a team! Teams are made up of friends, families and co-workers who walk together to increase their ability to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
- Volunteer to serve on a Walk Planning Committee. In order to grow the Walks, we must continue to enlist and empower more volunteers to help us extend our reach. As a volunteer, we count on your invaluable contribution of time and energy to make the event a success. If you would like to join a Walk Planning Committee, please contact us at mglcwalk@alz.org or 800.272.3900.
Do you have questions about Walk?
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Michigan Alzheimer's Advocacy Day |
Thursday, March 27, 2014 State Capitol | Downtown Lansing | Speakers' Library, 2nd Floor
At the Michigan Alzheimer's Advocacy Day you will be empowered to share your story with your State Representative and Senator and ask for their support through state policies which will assist families faced with this devastating disease.
The Advocacy Day Agenda includes the following activities:
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Legislative Breakfast: Enjoy a continental breakfast while chatting with your Senator and Representative about how you have been affected by Alzheimer's disease and the importance of the Alzheimer's Association in achieving a world without Alzheimer's disease.
9:30 -10:00 AM | Advocacy 101: How to be a Powerful Voice: Hear a presentation about how you can turn your story and personal experiences into a moving experience that can influence public policy and help others faced with Alzheimer's.
10:00 – 11:00 AM | Visit your Representative and Senator: We will schedule a visit for you with your State Senator and Representative. This is a great time to ask thank them for their previous support of the Alzheimer's Association and ask for their continued support.
11:00 – 11:30 AM | Tribute Presentation: Tributes will be presented by state legislators to 1-2 outstanding groups or partners that are making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
11:30 AM | Complete your evaluation form
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Luncheon: Join the Young Professional Alzheimer's Advocates of Lansing for a free luncheon, sponsored by Fraser Trebilcock. Lunch will be held in the Boji Tower across from the Capitol Building on the 22nd floor.
If you have questions, please contact Lindsay Bacon, Alzheimer's Association - Michigan Chapters, Director of Public Policy at lbacon@alz.org.
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Michigan Income Tax Checkoff |
April 15 is the deadline to checkoff your support of the Alzheimer's Association on Tax Form 4642. For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit our website. "Like" our Tax Checkoff Facebook page and invite your friends and family.
Questions? micheckoff@alz.org
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Education, Support and Online Resources |
Community Education Programs: Locate an education program in your community and learn about the 10 warning signs; the difference between memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's; and how to have difficult conversations about going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving and making legal and financial plans.
Caregiver Support Groups: Locate a support group in your community to get support from others who understand what you are going through
Online Resources:
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Chapter Supporters |
Our chapter truly appreciates the amazing generosity of these chapter supporters!
CHAPTER SPONSOR Learn more about our Chapter Sponsor's specialized palliative services at hom.org
CHAPTER MEDIA PARTNER Learn more about our Chapter Media Partner at cosozo.com
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Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's |
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's 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.
Michigan Great Lakes Chapter 310 N. Main St., Suite 100 | Chelsea, MI 48118
Regional offices in Kalamazoo, Lansing and Muskegon
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