Contact: Brittany Grego, Media Relations Specialist
724-413-6967, bgrego@alz.org
Alzheimer’s Association Forms Partnership
With The YMCA of the Roses
Non-profit organizations to create a community action plan
to expand dementia services and measure impact
YORK, PENNSYLVANIA— The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter is collaborating with the YMCA of the Roses through the ALZ CARES (Community Alliances for Resources, Education and Support) Community Action Plan to assess and meet the growing need for dementia education and support.
Through this partnership, the organizations are working together to provide care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia in York and Lancaster Counties through free,
high-quality education programs, beginning in March. Several YMCA staff members are undergoing training to become Community Educators to lead those classes.
The action plan also includes holding an Alzheimer’s Community Forum to better understand local needs regarding dementia support resources. All feedback generated from the Forum will be used to develop community education programs, support groups and other engagement techniques to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.
“The Alzheimer’s Association has been helping people live their best life in the face of dementia for more than four decades,” said Jessica Hill, Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. “Partnering with the YMCA makes perfect sense in order to meet the surging needs of the Lancaster and York Communities. Together, we will continue our mission to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, by driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Alzheimer’s Association is looking forward to the community impact this partnership will bring.”
“The YMCA of the Roses has been serving south central Pennsylvania for 168 years,” said Cori Strathmeyer, Director of Healthy Living for the YMCA of the Roses. “Through programs and partnerships, we help individuals and families improve their health and wellbeing. We are thrilled to deliver Alzheimer’s Association education programs to our community and aim to connect those in need with local and national resources. We value our new partnership; the YMCA and the Alzheimer’s Association are stronger together.”
Today, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including over 280,000 in Pennsylvania. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends are serving as caregivers, with more than 500,000 in Pennsylvania. By working together, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter and the YMCA of the Roses plan to strengthen communities in Alzheimer’s and dementia care and support.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.