Since the last update, outreach activities to the African- American Community have been rich and varied. We participated in a breakfast and street fair in celebration of Juneteenth at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz. Juneteenth celebrates the notification of the end of slavery on June 19th of 1865. Our participation marked the second year at the celebration with its marching bands, baton twirling children, motorcycles and floats. We handed out our Chapter materials and answered many questions at the street fair. The interest in learning about Alzheimer’s disease was evident as many people shared their experiences and took brochures for their neighbors, friends and relatives.

The African-American Outreach program hosted a reception at our new office space. The program featured educational talks by Dr. Karen Bell and Dr. Jennifer Manly, a prominent physician and researcher respectively, from Columbia University and the Taub Research Institute; a poetry reading by Kim Monroe; and a presentation by author Janus Adams of her personal caregiving experience. Guests included members of the Grandparents Empowerment Movement, the Association of Black Social Workers, staff from the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and others.

We partnered with St. Marks United Methodist Church at their Alzheimer’s Awareness Day program. Seniors participated in a lively and educational discussion led by Dr. Manly on memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and the services of the Chapter.

We also partnered with Thelma-Adair Medical/Dental Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness in hosting a breakfast for clergy. Featured were presentations by NYC DFTA Commissioner Edwin Méndez- Santiago, and physicians from the medical center, Dr. Blanche J. Skurnick and Dr. Daniel Pilowsky. Elizabeth Santiago and I discussed the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return^® program, Alzheimer’s disease and Chapter programs and services.

We have formed a team for Memory Walk 2007: “Our Team.” Memory Walk is our city-wide public awareness and fund raising event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support the Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter. Please join us on Sunday, October 21st. Visit our Memory Walk Web site alznyc.org/memorywalk, or call me at 646-744-2922 for more information.

African-American Outreach is interested in hearing from you. Please contact me at 646-744-2922 or rirving@alznyc.org if you are a member of or know organizations where we could speak about Alzheimer’s disease and the resources available at the NYC Chapter.

— Rosemary Irving,
Manager, African-American Outreach

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