A message from the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region's CEO and Board Chair

Gillian Barrie, CEO and Carolyn Wilson Board Chair

I am incredibly proud of the work our organization delivers in improving the quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners and families, much of which would not be possible without the incredible support of our donors, and the dedication of our staff and volunteers.

As a trained Occupational Therapist, with over a decade of front-line healthcare experience, I can appreciate how vital the programs and services of the Alzheimer Society are to our clients and their care partners. That is also why, as the CEO Alzheimer Society of Durham Region, I am committed to finding innovative solutions to support dementia care in our community.

Our refreshed strategic plan sets out a path of growth, focused on 4 strong pillars, designed to drive ASDR forward as we anticipate the rising rates of dementia and the anticipation and eagerness to see an approved disease-modifying treatment here in Canada. With the support of our Board of Directors, I look forward to propelling ASDR forward in the years to come, focusing our growth in areas where there are limited dementia resources, and collaborating with our community partners and local Ontario Health Team (OHT) to ensure our services meet the growing needs of those on the dementia journey here in Durham Region.

I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our supporters and partners who join us on our mission to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their care partners and families. We could not do this work without you.

Gillian Barrie, Chief Executive Officer

 

It is an honour to be selected as the Board’s new Chair.  As a long-term resident of Durham Region I have had the privilege of serving on the Board since 2020 and have decades of experience at serving our community.  ASDR is working hard to prepare for an upcoming accreditation and also at serving individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.  As the numbers of those who will live with dementia are expected to rise in the coming years, the need for our services will continue to grow.  I am confident that under Gillian Barrie’s leadership that ASDR will be well positioned to continue to evolve to meet those needs.  We recognize the importance of working with other organizations so that our community’s needs can be met and look forward to continue to support the work of the Durham Ontario Health Team.

Carolyn Wilson, Chair, Board of Directors