The Administration for Community Living (ACL) funds dementia programs in states and communities across the nation through the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Programs Initiative (ADPI). While each program reflects the community in which it is based, one characteristic many of them share is a commitment to including local volunteers in their programming in ways that reflect the needs of the community.

In a blog post highlighting different dementia programs, ACL featured Massachusetts as a leader in leveraging volunteers to support community education.

From the ACL Blog:

“Community education is another activity that relies on volunteer support. Typical goals of community education are to increase awareness of dementia, decrease stigma, and build skills for engaging with people living with dementia and their caregivers. The Massachusetts Council on Aging, in partnership with the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, developed and trained Family Support Volunteers across Massachusetts to provide dementia education and expand support for families of people living with dementia. These volunteers were responsible for presenting dementia education at community events, organizing activities for those with early-stage dementia, and facilitating support groups.”

ACL is elevating this work among other programs in recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Month and more information is available here.