HEALTH in Columbia County members voted Wednesday to adopt the “Dementia Friendly Magnolia” project, which is designed to educate and make the public aware about dementia.
“We are trying to do something big for the community,” Sherri Arrington, coalition chair, told the group. She said in recent years, the “Biggest Loser” weight loss project drew the most attention, though the coalition has donated money toward many community projects and undertook other health-related endeavors.
“We need to make our community ‘dementia friendly.’ It’s going to be a lot of work. This is such a big project we will need more help,” Arrington said. “We need to put our heads together and reach out to all those resources.” She suggested enlisting Southern Arkansas University students to help, as the project progressed.
She said there are four phases to becoming a “dementia friendly” community.
Barbara Lewis, director of The Caring Place in Magnolia, has spearheaded the “Dementia Friendly Magnolia” project. Albemarle Corporation has agreed to be a corporate sponsor and supporter.
Coalition members discussed that most people have been affected in some way by Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, and both conditions were very much in the news. It was also noted that caregivers for these patients needed support.
Virginia Williamson with Central Arkansas Development Council was elected secretary of the Coalition.
Annette Sharp, regional prevention provider with Harbour House Inc., was introduced as a new member. Sharp’s office is in the McAlester Building at 124 S. Jackson in Magnolia. She said there are plans to hold a monthly “Conversation Cafe” in this area, geared around various prevention focuses. February’s topic will be children of alcoholics awareness, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 21.
In other business:
•Nancy Bailey with the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas announced that elder law attorneys Lisa Shoalmire and John Ross will present a seminar from 9 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Friday, March 31 at Hempstead Hall at the University of Arkansas at Hope. There will be five continuing education credit hours available. For more information, call 1-800-272-2127 ext. 101 or email [email protected].
•Williamson announced that applications for energy assistance are being taken now at the CADC office, 1503 N. Vine St. in Magnolia. For more information, call (870) 234-6444.
•Williamson also announced that commodities will be given away from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 16-17 at Columbia County Senior Meals (former Meadowbrook Lodge Nursing Home site) at 600 Lelia St.
•Tia Wesson with Head Start announced that applications are being accepted for both Early Head Start and Head Start programs.
•Deanna O’Malley, rural health specialist with the Arkansas Department of Health at the Miller County Health Unit, suggested a “Fitness Challenge” as a possible Coalition project. O’Malley said that rural health specialists are available to serve the Coalitions with ideas, possible grants, and speakers.