Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter

We serve persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, their families, caregivers, health professionals and the community through support, counseling, information, referral, education, advocacy and research.

How do you help people in my community?

• Over the telephone - information, referral, guidance, support.  Staff and trained volunteers provide customized service to meet the callers' needs.  Information packets are then prepared and mailed to each caller addressing the needs identified in the telephone call.  A follow-up plan is developed if the caller agrees.

• In person - "ask" programs offer families the opportunity to come in and spend problem-solving time with a member of the staff.  This also allows families the opportunity to use the Chapter's resource center full of videos, books, and tapes.

• Through support groups offered at many different times and locations throughout the Chapter's service area.

• Via caregiver conferences and programs.

• Through training for health care professionals to promote better understand of those living with Alzheimer's disease all along the continuum of the disease.

• Through advocacy and attention to legislative activities that might improve the lives of those living with dementia.

• By presenting programs in workplaces.

• By offering many of these services in Spanish.

Why do you need my support?

Except for two small federal grants, the Chapter depends solely on our community for funding programs and services.  We pay dues to the national office to provide us with some services, especially that of conducting the research program.  We see that the Chapter's mission of providing services to local families will only increase in the near future.  We are currently undergoing an organizational assessment to determine the best avenues to travel given the many advances in our field.  We expect that we will continue to focus on providing consumer oriented education and training and to assist in helping health care professionals become even more proficient in caring for those living with dementia.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The Chapter is governed by 24 community volunteers who oversee the operations of the Chapter.  We are audited annually and a copy can be made available to you.  We practice generally approved accounting standards and meet the highest tests for philanthropic giving.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Absolutely. Our website has up to date listings of positions available in administration, fundraising, Helpline, Support Group leadership, Education program planning, and many other activities. You can call any one of our three offices to learn more. Training and orientation is offered. In Montgomery and Prince George's Counties call Carolyn Thomas at 301-652-6446. In D.C. call Dione Stearns at 202-483-4258. In Southern Maryland call Cindi Barnhardt at 1-800-331-7299. We have long-term and short-term positions available and would love to welcome you to our teams.