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In Pennsylvania, more than 400,000 people are living with dementia. For every person who’s diagnosed, there are at least 3-4 people (family members, friends, and coworkers) whose lives are greatly affected.
Pittsburgh’s Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) is a not-for-profit public force for good that advances healthcare services, education, innovation, and research to improve the health and well-being of the region’s diverse communities, especially those who are underserved.
The Foundation accomplishes this task through activism and convening with its powerhouse of partners and by giving grants. It also receives grants for its pioneering programs, which allows its interdisciplinary staff to support healthcare practitioners and providers to improve quality of life and lower healthcare costs for the people they serve.
Two of JHF’s many programs focus on dementia:
Dementia Friends Pennsylvania educates communities across the state about dementia. Dementia Friends Pennsylvania is part of Dementia Friends USA, a global movement that’s changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.
The program breaks down the stigma surrounding dementia and encourages people to make practical changes that best support people living with dementia. Thanks to a train-the-trainer model, volunteer Champions offer free 60-minute in-person or virtual Dementia Friends Information Sessions to community members, businesses, and organizations. Contact info@dementiafriendspa.org to schedule an Information Session or become a Champion!
Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania works to ensure communities across the Commonwealth are equipped to support people living with dementia, their families, and their care partners. A dementia-friendly community is a city, county, or town where people living with dementia are understood, respected, and supported. Every sector (faith, health systems, arts, and culture, etc.) of the community has a unique part to play. The initiative is a collaborative effort with JHF’s Dementia Friends Pennsylvania, existing dementia-friendly Pennsylvania communities, including the local community Dementia Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Visit the Jewish Healthcare Foundation’s website https://www.jhf.org/
