IA2 and n4a are pleased to announce that IA2 is now officially the national sublicensee for the Dementia Friends USA program. Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement focused on changing the way people act, think, and talk about dementia. Through education and training, individuals are exposed to what it is like to live with dementia and are encouraged to turn their understanding into action.
IA2 partnered with master trainers from the University of Nevada, Reno this week to pilot the first information session and Champion training at the National Indian Council on Aging’s 2021 elders conference. The pilot sessions featured new Dementia Friends content, revised and adapted for use with American Indians and Alaska Natives.
As a national sublicensee, IA2 will host training sessions to allow individuals to certify as Dementia Friends Champions in their own community. A Champion is someone who attends a 1-hour information session, followed by a 3-hour training. This training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to raise awareness about dementia in their community. Additionally, it encourages trainees to share what they know about Alzheimer’s and dementia with others. What makes a Champion so special is their ability to host information sessions about dementia and provide information and resources on how to help.
IA2 worked with various partners to adapt and update the original Dementia Friends training materials to be more reflective of tribal communities. They are excited to bring this international movement to create Dementia Friends to Indian country and Alaska Native communities, and bring this international movement to create Dementia Friends to Indian country and Alaska Native communities.
A schedule of upcoming online Dementia information and Champion trainings hosted by IA2 and the UNR team will become available this fall.
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