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Multicultural Outreach |
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Alzheimer's disease affects people from every cultural background. The mission of the Multicultural Outreach Initiative is to expand awareness of Alzheimer's disease and bring Chapter services to African American, Hispanic/Latino, Vietnamese and Korean communities in Northern Virginia. The Multicultural Resource Guide is now available for distribution. The Guide's target audience is area agencies and individuals who help multicultural families caring for loved ones with dementia, including care managers, social workers, physicians, church groups and community organizations. The Resource Guide has three sections: Introduction to Alzheimer's disease and the Alzheimer's Association, Cultural Awareness and Community Resources. The Guide suggests approaches to working with multicultural families, and explains their perceptions of aging, caregiving, and Alzheimer's disease. Community organizations listed in the resource section have a multicultural focus, providing information and support in languages other than English. The "Alzheimer's Fact Sheet" and "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease" appear in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. This information can be copied and distributed to families. The Guide was funded by a grant from the Arlington Health Foundation. Its completion ends the first phase of the Multicultural Outreach Initiative. The Chapter now will move into researching the most effective way of providing Helpline services in languages other than English. Efforts also will continue to provide educational programs in multicultural settings, including senior centers, adult day care centers, health fairs, churches and community events. Chapters around the country are requesting copies of "It's OK To Ask For Help," the brochure produced in 1999 for African American, Hispanic/Latino, Vietnamese and Korean families. It explains the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease in culturally sensitive language, with appropriate graphics for each ethnic group. Special thanks are extended to the devoted members of the Multicultural Outreach Committee and Resource Guide Team, and Arlington Health Foundation, who all donated their time and talent in the conception, translation, and editing phases. Their support was essential. If you would like copies of the brochures or the Resource Guide please call (703) 359-4440.
Last updated: October 4, 2000
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© 1997 - 2001 Alzheimer's Association, Northern Virginia Chapter. All rights reserved. |