The Pine City ACT Team is calling on community members to contribute to a vital discussion. Whether you are a caregiver for someone living with dementia, or simply a resident passionate about community well-being, your voice is important. We invite you to participate in a Community Brainstorm Session, where your insights will help shape the future of dementia support and education in our area. This session is designed to gather your valuable input on the types of educational programs and resources most needed to effectively support individuals and families affected by dementia in Pine City.
What is Pine City ACT on Alzheimer’s?
Established in January 2015, Pine City ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team was formed by a dedicated group of healthcare professionals, community service organizations, local public officials, and faith-based groups. Recognizing the growing challenges posed by dementia, they united to support those living with the condition and their caregivers. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and the City of Pine City, the ACT Team focuses on two key priorities:
- Raising Education and Awareness: Providing the community with crucial information about Alzheimer’s and related dementia illnesses.
- Resource Provision for Caregivers: Ensuring caregivers have access to the support and tools they need.
Since its inception, Pine City ACT has been proactive in the community, delivering impactful initiatives such as:
- Developing and distributing a comprehensive Resource Brochure, making support services easily accessible.
- Publishing informative articles in the local newspaper, the Pine City Pioneer, addressing key dementia-related topics like caregiver support, local resources, and navigating holidays while caregiving.
- Collaborating with Pine City Community Education and other partners to deliver training and presentations to diverse groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, faith communities, and students from high school to junior high.
- Offering Dementia Friends Champion Trainings and Dementia Friends Information Sessions, fostering a more understanding and supportive community.
In 2020, like many organizations, the team had to pause activities due to the pandemic and social distancing guidelines. Now, with renewed energy, Pine City ACT is reconvening to revitalize its efforts and enhance community support systems.
Re-engaging for a Dementia-Friendly Pine City
Pine City ACT is committed to continuing its mission of making Pine City a dementia-friendly community. They have already completed the first three phases of a four-part process:
- Phase 1: Convening: This initial phase focused on bringing together key stakeholders and community members. A significant part of this was securing grant funding to support the group’s goals and facilitate assessment and analysis.
- Phase 2: Assess: ACT Team members engaged with the community to gather data on existing resources for families and individuals affected by dementia. They also assessed the overall community awareness and understanding of dementia-related issues.
- Phase 3: Analyze: The team analyzed the collected data to develop an “Action Plan.” This plan aimed to address identified needs by enhancing community education about available resources and dementia-related topics.
These phases leveraged resources from the ACT on Alzheimer’s Dementia Friendly toolkit, and a community assessment was conducted in the summer of 2016. In September 2016, a community gathering shared the survey results, and attendees prioritized community outreach and resource accessibility as key focus areas for Phase 4.
Current Initiatives: Phase 4 and Beyond
Thanks to a Phase 4 grant awarded with the support of ACT on Alzheimer’s state organization, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Pine City ACT is actively implementing its action plan. Two dedicated committees are currently driving these efforts:
- Resource/Brochure Committee: Focused on compiling and updating resource information for both print and digital distribution, ensuring the community has easy access to support services.
- Media/Outreach Committee: Working to increase dementia awareness and education through various channels, including newspaper articles, radio spots, and training sessions. A key initiative is the monthly article in the Pine City Pioneer, keeping the community informed about dementia-related topics and resources.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Your involvement is crucial to the success of Pine City ACT. If you are interested in learning more or contributing to making Pine City a dementia-friendly community, please reach out to:
[Contact Information Redacted]
ACT on Alzheimer’s Pine City Coordinator
The team encourages in-person participation in the upcoming Community Brainstorm Session to foster a collaborative environment. However, for those who require it, virtual participation options are available. To request a meeting link for virtual access, please contact Natalie Matthewson at [email protected] or 320-227-1658.
Pine City Pioneer: освещение усилий ACT по борьбе с болезнью Альцгеймера в Пайн-Сити
The Pine City Pioneer newspaper has been instrumental in highlighting the work of ACT on Alzheimer’s in the Pine City area. Here are some examples of their coverage:
- ACT on Alzheimer’s Continues Efforts in Pine City Area (Pine City Pioneer, January 20, 2017)
- Memory Cafe offered in Pine City (Pine City Pioneer, February 27, 2017)
- Caregiver Story: Madelyn & Harold Wimmer (Pine City Pioneer, March 15, 2017)
- Therapy Makes a Difference when Dealing with Dementia (Pine City Pioneer, April 14, 2017)
- Brain Kit resources available at Pine City Library (Pine City Pioneer, July 21, 2017)
- Adult Daybreak continues in Pine City (Pine City Pioneer, June 30, 2017)
- With Alzheimer’s Disease, Every Minute Counts (Pine City Pioneer, October 13, 2017)
- Resource Highlight: Family Pathways (Horizons’ Pine Poker)
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources for more information and support:
