The fight against dementia in Allegheny County is gearing up with an infusion of cash and strategy, thanks to a recent nod from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Allegheny County Health Department, in a collaborative force with 13 local entities, has established the Allegheny County BOLD Coalition (ABC) and laid out a strategic plan to tackle Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) head-on, according to a recent press release from the Allegheny County.
The plan's unveiling follows the substantial BOLD grant awarded back in 2023, with the latest CDC approval ringing in at up to $450,000 to help implement the county's strategic efforts. In the words of Dr. James Weeden, the county's Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Program Manager, “Together, we can reduce the risk of dementia: through education, early action, and community support.” The strategic plan is particularly vital considering Alzheimer's Disease ranked within the top 10 leading causes of death in Allegheny County as of 2020, as detailed by the county's press release.
ABC's strategy hinges on three essential pillars: educating healthcare professionals, caretakers, and community outreach coordinators; expanding outreach to reach at-risk and low-income populations; and forging stronger connections between healthcare and community services. By focusing on these areas, ABC hopes to boost awareness, increase resource access, and support healthy aging within the community.
For more details on the ABC’s initiatives or the BOLD program, the health department invites inquiries via their dedicated email address at [email protected].
