The Illinois Cognitive Resource Network (ICRN) has reached out to Collective Action Lab to learn how Illinois can become a network member of the Dementia Friendly America (DFA) initiative. DFA is a national initiative led by Collective Action Lab in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Leading Age.
The primary goal of DFA is to convene and support the development of dementia friendly communities across the U.S. through increased community capacity, increased system capacity, and enhanced quality of life for persons with dementia and their care partners.
ICRN believes that Illinois is uniquely positioned to seize on this opportunity. As communities across Illinois convene to plan and develop dementia friendly initiatives, they will be able to tap into the extensive resources developed by ICRN partners, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, the State of Illinois and the aging and disability provider network. Resources include training webinars and manuals, research based interventions, state and local data, as well as clinics with expertise in assessment and treatment.
In the coming months, ICRN partners will be working with Collective Action Lab which is providing technical assistance to states interested in becoming network members of Dementia Friendly America. ICRN will be working with Collective Action Lab to convene and facilitate a workshop in Spring 2017 which will bring together stakeholders from a broad spectrum of community sectors interested in developing a statewide vision for a dementia friendly Illinois. As network members of DFA, Illinois will also engage in national learning opportunities to learn from and share lessons learned with other states.
To learn more about DFA Illinois visit the ICRN website at ilbrainhealth.org, or contact Sandra Alexander at alexandersandrak@gmail.com
Last Updated on April 28, 2020
