Alzheimer’s Mississippi launches to continue high quality support in state

 

The Mississippi Link Newswire

A new nonprofit dedicated to serving more than 51,000 individuals and families in Mississippi suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias officially launched March 29, as Alzheimer’s Mississippi. While the name is new, it bears the same critical mission and dedicated staff members as its predecessor, Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Chapter.

“Our name may have changed, but our mission hasn’t,” said Patty Dunn, executive director of both the new and former nonprofits. “Mississippi families will continue to receive our services, still at no cost. As an independent nonprofit, every penny of every dollar raised here in Mississippi will stay in our state.”

Recently, the Chicago-based national Alzheimer’s Association began the process of combining its chapters into one nonprofit. After discussion and analysis, the chapter’s board of directors decided it was best for the chapter to form its own stand-alone nonprofit. Before this change, the chapter sent 40 percent of its funds to the national association.

“The support we receive from you stays in Mississippi – for programs, services and research,” Dunn said. “We have been committed to creating a world without Alzheimer’s disease for more than 25 years here in Mississippi, providing care and support to all those affected by the disease.”

Other chapters have also decided to become independent nonprofits.

“At the administrative level, there will be changes as we become our own independent organization,” Dunn said. “But, for the most part, we’ll remain the same, including our helpful staff and critical programs and services.”

Added Marshall Belaga, Alzheimer’s Mississippi board chair: “Along with forming one organization, the national association is focusing mostly on fundraising for research. We believe that funding research is critical, but it’s also important for us to ensure we’re supporting not only the person with the disease but the whole family, particularly caregivers.”

Alzheimer’s Mississippi will still offer free programs such as “Know the Signs of Alzheimer’s,” “Brain Health as You Age,” annual caregiver conferences and support groups as well as signature events: Santé South, Alzheimer’s Mississippi Walks and TackleALZ.

Ribbon cutting

Alzheimer’s Mississippi will host a ribbon cutting with the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership on at 10 a.m. April 14 at  Alzheimer’s Mississippi to celebrate the new Mississippi-focused nonprofit. There will be an open house immediately following until 1 p.m. For more information, visit alzms.org.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*