The Dementia Friendly Communities initiative is well underway in Okotoks.

For over a year now they've been raising awareness of dementia, reducing the stigma, and building a tool kit for other communities to take on the same project.

Jennifer Mallamo, DFC Coordinator for Okotoks, says this past year has been productive for the group.

"We built some really strong community partnerships, accomplished a list of resources, so we looked at what resources exist in the community related to supporting people with dementia," she explains. "We've trained some banks as well as first responders and town staff, now we're working on pharmacies and grocery stores, and held a lot of public awareness events."

Mallamo says it's important attention is given to care givers, which their next speaker series will focus on.

"We're bringing in some experts on how to interact and deal with people with dementia and how the care givers can learn strategies to better support the ones that they love. That will be a panel discussion and also an opportunity to showcase resources and tools in the community."

The event on June 6 is at the Okotoks Public Library and starts at 6:30 p.m.

There is no cost for the event, however, they are looking for participants to register before hand.

To register, click here.

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