The Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island Chapter has opened an office in Riverhead to better serve the East End.
“Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. With Alzheimer’s disease being the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed, it is important that our programs and services are available to as many people across Long Island as possible,” said Doug Davidson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Long Island Chapter.
“We are fully committed to providing care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and with the opening of the Riverhead office, we will be able to provide direct services to more Long Islanders,” he said.
The office at 30 West Main Street in Riverhead is an extension of the main office located in Melville and will offer caregiver education and public awareness programs, support groups, early-stage social activities, and access to safety programs and services.
It is being opened and staffed thanks to a $50 million state grant over the next two years, to fund a variety of programs and services to support those living with and caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.
A caregiver support group will begin meeting on the fourth Friday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Family Community Life Center in Riverhead, the organization said in a press release. Click here for more information on available programs and services. The number for the 24/7 Helpline is 800-272-3900, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island chapter has also expanded their annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s further east. In addition to the walk at Belmont Lake State Park on September 17, 2016, a second walk will take place on Saturday, September 24 at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In 2015, the walk raised over $75 million. Click here for more information about the walk.
