(Download a PDF version of this newsletter. Want to receive a print version each quarter? Sign up here.)
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT TO RECLAIM OUR FUTURE
Speak Your Mind
The key to the Oregon Chapter's public policy effectiveness is you! Now is the time to speak up for the needs of people with Alzheimer's and their families - and help build support to address those needs through legislative action.
Will you join our dynamic network of volunteer advocates? As an advocate, you have the power to inspire change and instill hope. It is a role that takes little time and brings great satisfaction. As an Alzheimer's advocate, you will:
- Receive legislative and public policy action alerts
- Write letters, send emails and sign petitions
- Meet with and persuade elected officials
- Increase your impact and amplify your voice
Oregon advocates have already played a crucial role by speaking up at town hall meetings throughout the state -- providing valuable insight to the task force working on the Oregon State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease. But, the work is just beginning. We need your voice to ensure that the strategies and recommendations within the plan get funded and are acted upon -- by our elected officials in Salem.
Advocacy is not complicated or technical. The most important ingredient is you -- your personal experiences, your commitment to help make a difference, and your willingness to speak your mind.
For more information, please contact Jon Bartholomew, Public Policy Director: 503-416-0202 or jon.bartholomew@alz.org
Pictured: Teena Ainslee and Roger Anunsen, left, and Congressman Earl Blumenauer, right, provide testimony at the 2011 Portland Town Hall.
Photos by Russell Young, Studio 3024.
Delivering on Our Mission - Everyday
Late one afternoon, a distressed woman came through the door of the Oregon Chapter office. June was frustrated about her husband's escalating memory lapses and was in a quandary. She knew she needed to see a doctor who was knowledgeable about dementia, but she didn't know whom to call or how to go about it. As she spoke with Chris, one of the education team, he assured her there were many specialists in Portland who could diagnose her husband and he provided her with a comprehensive list. That took a huge weight off June's mind.
Then they spoke at length about her husband's increasing tendency to ask the same questions over and over again, and how he would often become confused about the time and place. She was getting irritated and tired of correcting him. Chris suggested she not even try to correct him, because he would soon forget the answer she had just given him. Instead, Chris suggested agreeing with him: if he thinks it is Sunday instead of Wednesday or if he thinks they are in Salem, when they are actually in Portland -- just agree. Chris explained that dialoguing in this way tends to keep conversations more positive and affirming, rather than negative and correcting.
June's face softened as she considered this new tactic. She had been trying in vain to keep her husband in "objective" reality, and she was eager to try this more harmonious approach when she got home. Chris also gave her some literature about communicating with someone who has Alzheimer's disease, and as he walked her to the door, she shook his hand and said, "Thank you so much for all the help and information. It is so nice just knowing you are here, and that you understand."
Providing resources, advice and support to those affected by Alzheimer's disease is integral to our mission. Your gifts help keep our 24/7 Helpline and doors open - for care partners like June. Thank you!
Champions for the Cause
Noteworthy Oregon Champions - Winter 2012
Lewis & Clark College Pioneers Portland State University Vikings
Western Oregon University Wolves
These exceptional women's college basketball teams held special halftime awareness events to honor Pat Summitt, the University of Tennessee women's basketball coach, who was recently diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer's. We applaud their efforts to raise awareness about this disease and Coach Summitt, who is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and has shown remarkable courage in facing Alzheimer's.
Scott Burton - Welcome to the Team!
Manager of Media & Public Relations for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Scott is the newest board member for the Alzheimer's Association Oregon Chapter. With nearly 15 years experience as a television news reporter and anchor, Scott brings expertise in public relations, media management and crisis communications to our work throughout Oregon.
Advocacy Amplified
Our business parter, Vocal Fi, donated teleconference services for the statewide Telephone Town Hall in November. Thanks to their interest and support, more than 100 people from all corners of Oregon were given a voice to inform and influence the state plan for Alzheimer's. We deeply appreciate their generosity.
Mature Living Choices Rallies Support
Mature Living Choices – Central Oregon will donate $1 to the Alzheimer's Association for every “LIKE” they receive on their Facebook page. It on takes a few moments, and with your support and by passing this on to your friends and family, their contribution could go a long way!
Exciting and Rewarding Sponsorship Opportunities
The Oregon Chapter has a brand new corporate partnership program that provides your business with greater recognition and exposure for your sponsorship dollars than ever before. You can make history (or at least have your name in lights) in the movement to reclaim our future.
Our corporate sponsorship program focuses on buildng year-round relationships, forging strong alliances, and providing value for both parties. The Oregon Chapter receives the resources needed to fulfill our mission. Your business reaches your target audience and achieves your marketing and philanthropic goals.
There are still fantastic opportunities to sponsor both the McGinty Conference and the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Don't delay, contact us today!
Contact Development Director Lynn Fitch at lynn.fitch@alz.org or 503-416-0211 for more information.
Education Calendars
The Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter offers multiple educational opportunities for anyone interested in learning about Alzheimer’s disease, including professional and family caregivers, people with memory loss, and the general public. Many of our programs are free of charge.Education calendar - Portland Education calendar - Eugene
McGinty Conference on Alzheimer's
Save the date! The 14th Annual McGinty Conference on Alzheimer's is Monday, April 2nd at the DoubleTree Hilton in Portland. In addition to the exciting new venue, the lineup of speakers inludes leading Alzheimer's disease researcher Maria Carrillo, Ph.D., and Lisa Genova, Ph.D., the NewYork Times-bestselling author of Still Alice. You won't want to miss this year's McGinty conference! Visit our McGinty page to see what else we have in store for this year's attendees.
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Register for the Walk to End Alzheimer's! Our 2012 Walk will be like none you've ever before experienced.
As a bonus, the first 50 people to register and make a donation will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card for Noho's Hawaiian Cafe! Let's make this year the first year we have no $0 fundraisers!
Sunday, September 23rd, 2012
Portland International Raceway
We Need You!
Transform your caregiving experience into compassionate service. Volunteer to lead a monthly caregiver support program in your area. Provide a safe and nurturing environment for those who work tirelessly caring for someone with dementia. If interested, please contact Lynn Feldman, Program Assistant, at 503-416-0201 or lynn.feldman@alz.org. Thank you!
Contact information
Reporters: Please feel free to use any of the information in our newsletter or on this website in your story. We would appreciate credit being given to the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter for articles or materials used. Whenever appropriate please include the phone number for our 24/7 Helpline, 1.800.272.3900.
If you need additional information, or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Policy Director Jon Bartholomew at 503.416.0202 or at jon.bartholomew@alz.org.
