About us

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, provides vital services and support to individuals, families and care partners. We serve 63 counties in Iowa and Illinois.

Our mission
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
A world without Alzheimer's disease.

Financial information

The Greater Iowa Chapter is a tax-exempt, 501(c) 3 nonprofit, donor-supported organization. Programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Chapter uses 84% of all funds raised for programs, services and research efforts.

Annual Report

Fiscal year 2006 Annual Report
Fiscal year 2005 Annual Report
Fiscal year 2004 Annual Report

2005-2008 Strategic Plan

Goal 1: Advancing Research

• Raise $100,000 to support Alzheimer's research.
• Increase public awareness about advances in Alzheimer's research.
• Improve the Chapter’s leadership and expertise on research and medical issues.     

Goal 2: Enhancing Care and Support

• Increase public and professional learners’ knowledge and skills needed to enhance the quality of life of individuals with dementia through a variety of educational programs.
• Increase individual’s knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, community resources and services through the 24/7 Helpline/Information and Referral service. 
• Provide care consultations for the person with dementia and/or their families in planning for and dealing with all aspects of the illness.
• Create a safe, confidential, supportive environment for persons with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones to develop mutual support networks and social relationships while learning about Alzheimer’s.
• Assist in the safe and timely return of memory-impaired individuals with Alzheimer's disease who wander and become lost.
• Expand outreach by 25 percent in the Chapter’s counties that have a population of 10,000 or less and are not served by a branch office.
• Enhance the Chapter's outreach to its customers through strategic collaborations with trade associations, coalitions and others whose work is consistent with the mission of the Alzheimer's Association.  

Goal 3: Mobilizing Public Support 

• Achieve the Alzheimer's Association, Iowa Chapter Network's short and long-term policy initiatives to support national public policy initiatives. 
• Increase public concern about Alzheimer's disease; raise awareness about the Association and motivate target audiences to get involved with the Alzheimer's Association by participating in the nationwide consumer marketing campaign.
• Conduct a 25th anniversary celebration in 2007 with the joint purpose of raising public awareness and funds to support the chapter.
• Position the Chapter’s website as a comprehensive source of information for persons with Alzheimer’s, family members, caregivers, donors, advocates and the public. 
• Expand the reach of the chapter through volunteers.     

Goal 4:  Building Unity and Capacity

• Increase the Chapter’s total annual income to $1.2 million by FY 08.
• Improve Chapter efficiency and when appropriate, share resources with other chapters in Iowa to reduce administrative and fundraising expenses.
• Set organizational direction, ensure necessary resources and provide oversight through a well informed and diverse board of directors that represents a broad range of skills and reflects the interests of those served by the chapter. 

Board of directors – Greater Iowa Chapter

Officers
Craig Miller- President
Emily Eisentrager-Vice President
Debbie Miner- Secretary
Open- Treasurer
Thomas W. Cross- Immediate Past President

Directors
Thomas R. Fischer, Jr.
Curtis J. Ford
Linda Forthmann
Judith Garside
Steve Habenicht, CSA
Fred Housman
Darshini Jayawardena
Mehrdad Razavi, MD
Missy Sisler

Our history

In 1982, Alzheimer's disease was rarely diagnosed, its extent was little known and no treatments or services were available.  Few scientists investigated it.  There were no practical guidelines for treatment or care.  Family caregivers struggled to provide care for loved ones. 

In Davenport, Iowa, a committed group of caregivers dedicated themselves to forming a support group for caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's.  In 1983, Josephine Lindquist and Sister Carolyn Walters had their first informational meeting. Thirty people attended that first meeting.  Later that year, the group formed its own organizational board of directors,  In 1984, the volunteer group affiliated itself with the National Alzheimer's Association. 

In Central Iowa, caregivers followed much the same route, banding together to offer support and help spread awareness of this little-understood disease.  From the Golden Iowa Chapter, the Mid-Iowa Chapter, and mergers with the Mississippi Valley Chapter has emerged the Greater Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Today we are the primary resource for information, assistance and support for people living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as the friends, family members and professionals working to make Alzheimer's just a memory.