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Vernon City Hall (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)
By Liam Verster
Reducing the stigma

Dementia awareness work in Vernon gets federal boost

Jan 26, 2024 | 6:00 AM

A project to raise awareness of dementia in Vernon is benefiting from some federal support.

The City of Vernon will receive $184,710 for its Addressing Dementia Stigma and Inclusiveness in Small Rural Communities project.

The project aims to raise community awareness and skill levels to reduce stigma and promote inclusion through an community-centred marketing campaign.

The initiative will also encourage dementia inclusiveness through the Dementia Friendly Community Plan, which will make recommendations for wayfinding, safety corridors, emergency preparedness, sidewalk enhancements, and social marketing to make Vernon as dementia inclusive as possible.

The local financial aid is part of a $9.6 million federal investment provided through the Dementia Strategic Fund to support 23 projects across the country.

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Other projects include a national public education campaign, improving access to high-quality dementia guidance, raising awareness of the illness, and enhancing online and in-person resources.

“These new investments demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing the objectives of Canada’s dementia strategy and in continuing to serve Canadians in the most effective and meaningful way possible,” Health Minister Mark Holland, said.

“These latest projects supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada will contribute to our efforts to reduce the risk of dementia and improve the health outcomes and quality of life of people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.”

Vernon is the sole recipient in the Okanagan.

by Liam Verster
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