MEDIA RELEASE January 27, 2010

For Immediate Release

Local Alzheimer Society launches unique

First Nations dementia program

Thanks to $118,400 OTF Grant

Oneida of the Thames – First Nations people with dementia and their families can now have better access to Alzheimer information and support, thanks to a unique program developed collaboratively with the Alzheimer Society, London and Middlesex (ASLM) and Oneida Nation of the Thames. The Honourable Chris Bentley, the newly appointed Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and MPP for London West, and Ontario Trillium Foundation representative Dr. Theodore Lo joined ASLM and Oneida community members to launch at the Alzheimer Society First Link™ program launch this morning.

“I am pleased the Ontario Trillium Foundation is supporting a program that builds on the great work of the Alzheimer Society,” says Minister Bentley. “This program will bring information and support to families affected by dementia in the First Nations Community.”

"Alzheimer's disease can be devastating for patients and family members alike,” said Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and MPP for London North Centre. “First Link is a great example of a program designed specifically with a First Nations focus whose aim is to open doors for those who need the appropriate resources and guidance."

The First Link™ program for the Oneida community is generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) over a three year period. In addition to helping people with dementia and their families better understand the disease, First Link™ helps put them in quick contact with local resources. The goal is to provide support throughout the course of the disease, and can start before a formal diagnosis is even made.

“With Alzheimer’s disease, being able to access the right information and services, at the right time and at the right place is critical. Making these early connections is now possible for people in the Oneida community,” says Betsy Little, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex.

Elements of the First Link program include:

• family and individual support, including one-to-one counseling,
• crisis intervention
• memory screening
• preparation for long-term care
• education programs for persons with dementia and their family/caregivers, health professionals and the community.

The mission of the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex™ is to advocate for and promote the development of support services, education, and research in London and Middlesex County for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Please visit www.alzheimerlondon.ca

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org

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For more information, please contact:

Leslie Mitchell

Manager, Communications and Major Gifts

Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex

lmitchell@alzheimerlondon.ca

519-680-2404 ext.232