Alzheimer's Association and MetLife Foundation Provide Educational Resources to the Hispanic/Latino Community; MetLife Foundation Grant Supports Spanish-Language Resources, Local Outreach 12/4/2003
From: Lorraine Willmot of Alzheimer's Association, 312-335-4078; Caroline Campanelli of MetLife Foundation, 212-578-6675 CHICAGO, Dec. 4 -- Alzheimer's disease knows no boundaries -- people of all races and ethnicities are affected. Yet, unfortunately, many minority groups in the United States encounter obstacles that limit their access to information, care and health resources. To help the Alzheimer's Association reach out to the Hispanic/Latino community, MetLife Foundation has made a $175,000 grant to fund the development of guides and brochures in Spanish as well as provide support to the Association's nationwide chapter network across the United States for local outreach activities to Hispanic/Latino communities. "There are currently 4.5 million Americans from many different backgrounds living with Alzheimer's disease and that number could reach as many as 16 million by 2050 if a cure or prevention is not found," said Sheldon Goldberg, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "We are grateful to MetLife Foundation for their support over the last two decades. This generous grant will help us continue our diversity initiatives and improve Alzheimer awareness, knowledge and care services in Hispanic/Latino communities." "MetLife Foundation is pleased to support the Alzheimer's Association and help provide resources to millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease," said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "This grant will help the Association provide services to the Hispanic/Latino community." According to Census 2000, 12.5 percent of the US population is Hispanic/Latino, and this population increased 58 percent between 1990 and 2000. As the Hispanic/Latino population grows, it will increasingly face Alzheimer's disease. "Accessing healthcare resources is affected by cultural attitudes and practices. Therefore, it is important to create culturally appropriate educational materials and programs that competently and accurately communicate with Spanish-speaking persons," said Kathleen O'Brien, senior vice president, program and community services, Alzheimer's Association. "People from diverse communities view Alzheimer's disease differently. Some may see it as a spiritual test, punishment or mental illness. Others who have emigrated from another country may be afraid to ask for help. The Alzheimer's Association has made it a priority to offer information, programs and services that effectively serve people from all backgrounds," said O'Brien. The Alzheimer's Association provides a vast portfolio of print and electronic educational materials for the public. MetLife Foundation's grant will support the production of several guides and brochures in Spanish. Topics may include an overview of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, diagnosis, planning for the future, and caregiver stress. In addition, local chapters may apply for MetLife Foundation Outreach Grants to implement creative outreach initiatives to serve Spanish-speaking individuals and families. Association outreach activities to the Hispanic/Latino community already in place are proving to be very successful. More than six million Hispanic/Latinos live in Greater Los Angeles. Through 10 years of leadership with the El Portal program, the Association developed a coalition of service providers in East and Southern Los Angeles. The coalition assessed community needs and developed a system of care built on the strengths of each participating agency, including support groups, diagnostic centers, a legal clinic, care management services, day care centers, and a Spanish helpline. Like many Hispanic/Latino care partners, Rosa Meza is reluctant to seek outside help to care for her mother who suffers from moderate Alzheimer's disease and would never put her in a nursing home. She works nights so that she can stay home during the day to care for her mother. After finding resources through the Alzheimer's Association's Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties Chapter, she began attending a bilingual support group. The Association also helped her find a Spanish- speaking doctor for her mother. Ms. Meza is just one example of those finding assistance through the Association's programs. MetLife Foundation has been a supporter of the Alzheimer's Association for more than 20 years, sponsoring a variety of activities to support the Association's mission of advancing Alzheimer research, enhancing care and support, public awareness and diversity outreach. MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, supports health, education, civic and cultural programs throughout the United States. For more information about the Foundation, visit the Web site at http://www.metlife.org. --- The Alzheimer's Association is the world leader in Alzheimer research and support. Having awarded more than $150 million to nearly 1,300 projects, the Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer research in the world. The Association's vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit http://www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900. |