Churches in Westchester "go purple" for Alzheimer's awareness

On Sunday, Sept. 9, more than 20 churches in Westchester County took part in the Fourth Annual Purple Sunday events to increase Alzheimer’s awareness in their congregations. Many other churches have Purple Sunday events planned in the months ahead.

The prevalence, incidence and cumulative risk of Alzheimer’s disease are disproportionately high in African-American and Hispanic population, according to the association’s Facts and Figures report. To boost awareness of Alzheimer’s and the importance of early detection, the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter invites places of worship serving these communities to participate in Purple Sunday.

Participating churches designate a liaison to work with Alzheimer’s Association staff in planning Purple Sunday events, which include an educational presentation by staff as well as a variety of educational and other materials from the Alzheimer’s Association and partnering agencies, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

“We want to thank the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority for partnering with us on this initiative,” said Jessica Flores, Community Engagement Manager and Diversity Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. “With their support, the Purple Sunday program has grown from five churches in 2014 to 35 churches in 2018. Their role has been key to the success of this program, allowing us to foster relationships with faith leaders in our community, which have contributed to Purple Sunday being recognized as a sustainable program in the Westchester community.”

Parishioners said the event was a success. Among them was Doretha Lanier of Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, who said, “Purple Sunday at my church was overwhelmingly accepted. People will surely read materials given and better understand the disease.”

“Purple Sunday was great," said Pamela Crumpton of Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Yonkers.

Participating churches included: In Mount Vernon: Allen Memorial COGIC, Church of Ascension, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Grace Baptist Church, Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, Unity Baptist Tabernacle and Macedonia Baptist Church; in New Rochelle, St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion Church and First Baptist Church; Innerfaith Church in Yonkers; Emmanuel A.M.E. in Yonkers; in White Plains/Greenburgh: Bethel Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Grace Episcopal and Mount Hope A.M.E. Zion Church; First Baptist Church in Bronxville; United Methodist Church in Mamaroneck; St. Paul’s U.M.C. in Hartsdale; New Hope International Baptist Church in Tarrytown; and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill.

Other churches that have previously participated, have informational materials and continue to promote Purple Sunday/Alzheimer's Awareness throughout the year include: New York Covenant Church and Shiloh Baptist of New Rochelle; Mt. Carmel in Yonkers; St. John's Getty Square Church; First Community Baptist Church, Ridgeview Congregational Church and Union Baptist in White Plains; and St. Francis AME Zion Church in Mount Kisco.

For more information on how you can get involved with a Purple Sunday event at your church, visit alzhudsonvalley.org/purplesunday. Or follow Purple Sunday Hudson Valley on Facebook.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

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

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.