The Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter is pleased to present to you — our loyal supporters — the Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2019. We are grateful for the many ways your support enhances the lives of people in our community affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Below are key highlights of all we accomplished together in the past year. Thank you again for moving our mission forward!

Strengthening Diversity & Inclusion

• Last year, we launched our first-ever Diversity & Inclusion Committee with board, staff and volunteers.
• Community forums were held in Spanish and Korean, and our Central Washington Alzheimer’s & Dementia Conference offered a dedicated track for Spanish-speaking family caregivers.
• We collaborated with the Dementia Action Collaborative to produce Mapa De La Demencia, the Spanish version of the popular Dementia Road Map, a guide for family and care partners.

Enhancing Care & Support

• 6,359 care consultations
• 4,431 calls to the 24/7 Helpline
• 2,006 caregivers attended a support group
• 2,646 people who attended an educational event
• 213 people who attended an early-stage memory loss program 

 

“The knowledge, counseling and guidance given to me and my wife this last year, showed us how to live a better life with this disease. That is, you gave us hope. You gave me hope when that seemed impossible.” – Warren Walker 

 

Increasing Concern & Awareness 

• 60 million media impressions and 1.9 million visits to the Chapter’s website, blog and social media delivered critical information and resources to the public.
• In June, we partnered with government officials, TV news stations, local landmarks and the Seattle Mariners for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, raising awareness about the impacts of the disease and the importance of brain health 

Advancing Public Policy

• 14,316 advocates raised their voices in support of the cause, urging legislators and policymakers at the state and federal level to take action. 
• Achieved a $425 million increase to Alzheimer’s research funding at National Institutes of Health. 
• Helped pass the Long Term Care Trust Act in Washington State, the first of its kind in the nation to help fund long term care.

 

“We, as a community, need resources more than ever before. As an advocate, I urge legislators to take action today, so that tomorrow, families like mine will have access to better care and stronger support services when facing this devastating disease.” – Ramona Pitre-Collins

 

Accelerating Research

• 738 TrialMatch participants in our area completed an online profile to be connected to research studies and treatment trials for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• The Alzheimer’s Association made a $42 million research investment in FY19, the largest ever in our organization’s history, bringing the Association’s current commitment to over $167 million in more than 500 projects in 27 countries.
• Our new Research Champion program launched in FY19 as a way to educate and deepen engagement with local communities by providing updates about progress being made in Alzheimer’s and dementia science

Growing Revenue to Support the Mission

• Over 8,000 people in 16 communities across Washington State and Northern Idaho participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising $1.7 million for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 
• The Longest Day, an annual fundraising and awareness event held on the summer solstice, raised $108,228 thanks to 114 participants who planned fundraising and awareness activities. 
• As a donor-supported organization, it’s important for us to be transparent about how our funds are used to further our mission. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to meet industry best practice standards with 77% of our total annual expenses going to care, support, research, awareness and advocacy. 

Volunteerism

• In Fiscal Year 2019, 582 volunteers contributed 15,211 hours to advance our mission. Our talented, caring volunteers delivered programs, raised funds for research and supported people affected by Alzheimer’s.