Advocacy in York Region

The Alzheimer Society of York Region advocates on behalf of York Region residents impacted by dementia. On this page you can learn about some of the advocacy work we do to increase awareness and decrease stigma.

White boy shouting into a microphone

Learn how you can help raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and change the stigma for the more than 17,000 York Region residents living with these fatal diseases. Photo by Jason Rosewell on Upsplash. 

Want to help raise awareness about dementia and change the stigma associated with a diagnosis? Subscribe to the AS York #OurConnectionsMatter monthly e-newsletter to learn more.

Share your story

One of the ways people can help change the stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis is by sharing their story. Stories are used for newsletters, on social media and through traditional media to raise awareness about the disease and change the stigma.

Interested in sharing your story? Contact Yolanda Mol Amelink at [email protected]

Champion for Dementia

Are you willing and able to take the next step in making a difference in the lives of Ontarians living with dementia? Do you have a personal connection to this disease and want to see a change in our community?

By becoming a Champion for Dementia you will be advocating for improved supports and policies for persons with dementia and their families.

This is done regionally and provincially by:

  • Meeting with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to help support our cause and promote within the Legislature
  • Meeting with local candidates during provincial election time to further educate
  • General awareness activities in local communities

Some tasks and responsibilities of a Dementia Champion include:

  • Becoming familiar with our election asks
  • Scheduling and attending meetings with MPPs to talk about how they can help people with dementia, caregivers and family members in their community if elected
  • Raising awareness through writing to your local newspapers or speaking on local radio shows etc.

"I became a Champion for Dementia because my husband was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Having experienced the difficulties of caregiving personally, I want to work to improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and their families in whatever way I can." -Susan Bithrey. Thunder Bay, Ontario

If you are interested in becoming a Champion for Dementia today please contact [email protected].

Caregiver Support Framework

The Caregiver Support Framework is a 10-page document that will help the healthcare system provide care that serves both clients and the people who care for them. Learn more about this document and its use.

Learn more
Front cover image of the Caregiver Support Framework with a senior woman with a younger woman.