Alzheimer's Association plans virtual kickoff for Purple Sunday

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Chapter will host a free virtual kickoff for its Purple Sunday initiative from 10:30 to noon on Saturday, Oct. 10.

“Faith communities are extremely valuable to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Our Purple Sunday initiative is a faith-based centered awareness campaign for Alzheimer’s disease and all dementia,” said Jessica Flores, community engagement manager and diversity specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter “This program has enhanced Alzheimer’s care and support in underserved communities by connecting individuals to safety services, promoting early detection and increasing awareness about the disease.”

The kickoff, which is especially for local faith leaders, first spouses, deacons, stewards and health ministry members, will feature presentations on various topics related to Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving and available resources, starting with an overview of the Purple Sunday initiative by Flores. This will be followed by a video on the Facts and Figures of Alzheimer’s of Alzheimer’s disease. The Rev. Erwin Lee Trollinger, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains will give a presentation on “New Faces of Family Caregiving” followed by Diane Cooper, founder of Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Program, Inc., who will speak about “Caregivers Need Caring, Too.”

Trollinger has been pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains since 2011. He attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA, majoring in social work and theology and earned his master’s degree in sacred theology at Christ Theological Seminary. He served as chaplin for the New York State Correctional Facility at Sing Sing for eight years and was appointed to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Re-Entry Program for returning inmates for the New York State Correctional Institutions. In 2017, he was appointed international president and patron for the Agape Christian Ministers College in Kumasi, Ghana.

A graduate of Hunter College School of Nursing, Cooper holds a master’s degree in nursing education from The College of New Rochelle. She has served as an adjunct professor and mentor at both The College of New Rochelle and the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She also has a postgraduate certificate as a geriatric nurse practitioner from New York University and more than 30 years of experience as a Community Health Nurse.

Those making remarks at the event will include Westchester County Executive George Latimer; Mae Carpenter, Westchester County Commissioner of Senior Programs and Services; Crystal Collins, Assistant to the County Executive for Advocacy, Community Liaison and Faith-Based Partnership Initiatives; David Sobel, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter; and Dozene Guishard, Bboard Chair for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chair.

Flores emphasized the importance of the Purple Sunday Committee members to the program’s success.

“We want to recognize and thank our dedicated Purple Sunday Committee volunteers that include faith leaders from our local communities who provide support and education about Alzheimer’s and all dementia to their church families. Without your support, this work would not be possible,” Flores said.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org