For immediate release
April 18, 2022
Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter
to hold 11th Annual Dr. Lemuel and Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium
Rochester — 21, 2022 — The Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter, announces the return of the Dr. Lemuel and Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium. This year’s theme is “Caring for Our Community: Dementia’s Impact and Hope for the Future.”
Now in its 11th year, the symposium is geared toward health equity, education and hope for Black/African Americans who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The event is named for Lemuel Rogers Jr. M.D. and his wife, Gloria Rogers. The Rogers’ were members of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church who were diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. The couple was deeply involved in health education in the local Black community.
“African Americans are 50% more likely to have Alzheimer’s than whites,” said Lois Williams-Norman, Board Member and Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee of the Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Alzheimer’s Association. “Let’s erase this disparity with better diets, better medical treatment, more physical activity and less poverty.”
The event will feature a keynote address by Janice Harbin DDS, President and CEO of the Anthony L. Jordan Health Corp. Dr. Harbin has been a clinical dentist for more than 35 years in both public health dentistry and private practice associations. From 2003 until 2009 she served as Dental Director for the Detroit Health Care for the Homeless.
During her years as a Detroit community organizer, Dr. Harbin worked with city and suburban, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith-based organizations. Those experiences provided her with a unique perspective and sensitivity when working with the population served by Jordan Health. Harbin will focus her keynote address on dementia and hope for the future.
The symposium also will include words of encouragement and hope from the family of Lemuel and Gloria Rogers; Corinda Crossdale, Deputy County Executive For Health and Human Services and Ralph and Molly Richards, founders of the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Alzheimer’s Ministry, as well as a question and answer session with Dr. Harbin,; David Gill M.D., Director, Memory Center at Unity, Rochester Regional Health; Katy Allen, Division Leader of Finger Lakes Alzheimer’s Caregiver Institute; Deanna Dewberry, WHEC 10 News Anchor and Investigative Reporter; and Christopher Richardson, D.O., President of the Black Physicians Network.
The panel will be moderated by Norma Holland, Alzheimer’s Association advisory board member.
“While there are unknowns about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, don’t let that keep you from learning more about what’s known. The more knowledgeable, the better equipped to provide care and to effectively utilize the available resources,” Williams-Norman said.
The event will feature a special presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dr. Percy Griffin, Director of Scientific Engagement, who will update the community on relevant research.
The 2022 event is free to the community and will take place in person on Wednesday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, 175 Genesee St. Boxed lunches will be provided.
“We are delighted to collaborate with the Alzheimer's Association as it presents its11th Annual Dr. Lemuel and Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium,” said Rev. Dr. Jonathan J.H. McReynolds, Senior. Pastor at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church. “Thank you for all the great work your organization does to inform and assist families in need of support to deal with the rigors of this dreadful disease that impacts so many within the community that surrounds our church here at Aenon.”
More than 400,000 individuals live with Alzheimer’s or another dementia in New York state and more than 1 million New Yorkers provide unpaid care to someone with the disease. While older Blacks/African Americans are two times more likely than older whites to have Alzheimer’s, they are less likely than whites to receive a diagnosis of the condition.
Register for the in-person event here:
https://action.alz.org/MTG/79710748
Register for the live-stream here:
http://action.alz.org/MTG/81006244
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead 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®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
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For more information contact:
Velvet Spicer, Communications Manager
Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter
585.257.4477
vespicer@alz.org
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.