Hello Dementia Friends and Dementia Friendly Iowa Supporters,

We are wrapping up the first year of the Dementia Friendly Iowa statewide initiative! The launch of the program has been exciting and has exceeded expectations! We educated community members and organizations about dementia through Dementia Friends sessions and Dementia Friendly Organization trainings. Across the state, over 2,000 people became Dementia Friends at the 198 sessions offered statewide. Several businesses and organizations including libraries, health care providers, retail stores, and many others hosted staff training and became recognized as a “Dementia Friendly Organization.”

On a community level, Cedar Valley, Maquoketa, and Vinton are all recognized Dementia Friendly Community initiatives through Dementia Friendly America, and we are working with several other communities to officially launch this process including Dubuque and Johnson County. A website for the statewide efforts officially launched as well. Check it out and learn more at: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/ .

We are excited to see the movement continue to grow to help make Iowa a place where people with dementia can thrive! Thank you for helping with this mission!

-Megan Zimmerman, Dementia Friendly State Coordinator

In April, Vinton, Iowa became recognized through Dementia Friendly America (DFA) as Iowa's 3rd Dementia Friendly Community Initiative! The Community Lead is Jessica Fairbanks, owner of NuCara Home Care & Medical in Vinton. The action team has representation from a few different community sectors, including the hospital and chamber of commerce. Dementia Friendly Vinton is dedicated to providing continued education, resources and a better understanding of dementia throughout the community. They encourage businesses to become involved allowing for a more comfortable experience for those living with dementia and their care partners.

Currently, Cedar Valley, Maquoketa, and Vinton are the Iowa communities that have joined the Dementia Friendly America network. A few other communities are working on this process to join. Learn more about what it takes to become a more Dementia Friendly Community through DFA here: https://dementiafriendlyiowa.org/become-a-dementia-friendly-community/

Support the Alzheimer's Association - Join a Walk Team!

The Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter is a wonderful resource for people with dementia and their families in Iowa. Join us in supporting their work by jumping in a local Walk to End Alzheimer's. If you are in the Cedar Valley area, we have created a team for Dementia Friends or anyone involved in the Dementia Friendly Iowa efforts to join. Join our team or find the local walk in your area.

Learn more about the services offered by the Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter on their website or call their 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

For more frequent updates, follow Dementia Friendly Iowa on Social Media!