The African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI) has been awarded a two-year $149,000 grant by the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) to increase community awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias within the African American and African immigrant populations. The intent of the grant is to promote early diagnosis and provide caregiver access to resources.

“We are delighted to receive this MBA grant,” says Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, founder and executive director of AACWI.  “This grant will expand our portfolio of culturally specific therapeutic services and will help us support the growing numbers of people within our community who suffer from cognitive decline, and their caregivers.” 

AACWI will launch a comprehensive public awareness and education campaign beginning fall/winter quarter 2025 within the Twin Cities metro area. The awareness campaign will include a series of informational, monthly workshops and community gatherings to educate the African American and African immigrant communities about the disease, the importance of cognitive testing and how to get tested. Additionally, participating individuals will be able to get free screenings for cognitive impairment onsite and gain access to key resources and support services.

This MBA grant has been awarded to AACWI at the appropriate time. According to Alzheimer’s Association research, U.S. dementia cases are expected to rise from 514,000 in 2020 to 1 million by 2060, with Black Americans facing the greatest health risks.

“Timely diagnosis using the right tools is key to treatment and support,” says Maureen Schneider, board chair for the Minnesota Board on Aging. 

For more information on the African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI), visit: https://aacwi.org.

Also, follow AACWI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089729367422

This program is supported by funds from the Minnesota Board on Aging.