El Portal NorthWest

El Portal Northwest educates the Latino community about dementia basics and provides assistance to family caregivers through the disease process in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

Organization:

Alzheimer's Association Western & Central Washington State Chapter

One of seven founding chapters of the National Alzheimer's Association, the Western and Central Washington chapter serves individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, their families, health care professionals and administrators, and the general public throughout 23 counties from the Canadian to the Oregon borders.

Location:

Seattle, WA

How does it work?

The program was created through a collaborative effort between the Alzheimer's Association and Sea Mar Community Health Center, a community-based organization providing health and human services to the Latino community. People with dementia and their family caregivers may receive one-on-one sessions with a social worker, referral to local services, and access to a family caregiver support group. The program also engages in outreach through a local radio show, provides educational opportunities for Sea Mar employees to learn more about dementia, and engages in community education and presentations, events and health fairs.

Why is it successful?

Over the last two years, 115 clients have been served and Sea Mar staff received valuable training. The program is successful largely because it partnered with an organization that already had the connections and capacity to connect with and reach the targeted audience. The program also effectively used the media to reach potential clients.

For more information: alz.org/alzwa.