The following press release was sent to The Bloomingtonian:
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jake Gransee For Dementia Friends Indiana [email protected] (847) 691-8819
DEMENTIA FRIENDS INDIANA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN IN BLOOMINGTON
Indiana Has the Third-Highest Rate of Dementia in the Nation.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (March 4, 2022) – Dementia Friends Indiana has expanded its outreach to the IU and greater Bloomington communities to destigmatize dementia commonly associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases. Dementia Friends Indiana, an initiative of CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions in Indianapolis and partner agencies statewide, seeks to establish “Dementia Friends” in Bloomington, people who are educated about dementia, supportive of patients and caregivers and committed to promoting inclusivity.
Dementia Friends Indiana offers one-hour information sessions, held both in-person and virtually, to those interested in becoming a “Dementia Friend.” Sessions are interactive and provide understanding about early warning signs of dementia, best practices for interacting with people with dementia and more.
”For many, ‘dementia’ is a frightening word associated with negative stereotypes. That stigma may prevent families from seeking help and support,” said Melinda Winnie, CICOA Dementia Programs Supervisor. “Many may also feel isolated and hopeless. Through Dementia Friends information sessions, we are inviting Hoosiers to make small changes that can help those living with dementia and their families to remain included, accepted and connected in the community.”
Dementia Friends sessions are open to all members of the public for free.
About Dementia Friends Indiana
Dementia Friends Indiana is a statewide program administrated by CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions and part of the Dementia Friendly America Initiative. In 2017, the Dementia Friends
program was incepted in Indiana, the tenth state promoting the initiative. The mission of Dementia Friends Indiana is to educate Hoosiers about dementia with the goal of driving tangible changes within communities and increasing support for caregivers and people with dementia. To learn more, visit https://www.dementiafriendsindiana.org.
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