A groundbreaking initiative between the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN GWEP), the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (CHAI), and Alter™, a faith-based community outreach program, is working to address the growing need for dementia support in African American communities.
"Our goal is to ensure that churches and faith leaders are not only equipped but feel confident in their ability to support members who are experiencing dementia, as well as their families and caregivers," says Robbin Frazier, associate director of equity and community engagement at CHAI and activity director in the MN GWEP.
Alter began at Emory University and has spread to multiple locations. Spearheaded by Fayron Epps, RN, PhD, FAAN, Endowed Professor at UT San Antonio, Alter was born out of a nurse-led collaborative aimed at addressing the severe lack of resources and awareness surrounding dementia in African American and faith communities. Recognizing the pivotal role that churches play in the lives of many African American families, Alter seeks to empower these institutions to provide much-needed care and support.
Faith-Based Organizations: A Vital Public Health Partner
One of the key takeaways from this partnership is the recognition of faith-based organizations and other community entities as crucial components of public health efforts. By investing in these communities, the Minnesota GWEP and Alter are ensuring that support reaches the people who need it most, right where they are.
"Faith-based organizations are a cornerstone of many communities, particularly in African American populations. By including them in public health initiatives, we’re not just enhancing the reach of our programs, we’re also respecting and valuing the existing trust and influence these organizations have," Frazier emphasizes.
The Alter program is designed to complement existing community resources, enhancing the efforts already in place by these vital community institutions. By offering education, resources, and ongoing support, Alter helps faith-based organizations become more dementia-friendly and inclusive. Importantly, the program is offered at no cost to participating churches, with funding available to support dementia-friendly initiatives.
Alter is not just a one-time intervention but an evidence-informed program that continues to evolve as it develops and expands partnerships. This evolution brings continuous value and innovation, truly meeting the needs of African Americans—who are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to their White counterparts.
"Alter is a unique program that meets community members where they are, connecting them with resources and education that are both accessible and culturally relevant," adds Frazier.
Supporting People Living with Dementia
Churches partnering with Alter implement various activities to improve access and support for people living with dementia during faith services. These initiatives might include wearing name tags to help people living with dementia recognize and remember those around them, and training greeters to be mindful of their unique needs. Familiar music and scripture that elders grew up with may be incorporated into services, creating a comforting and recognizable environment. To better accommodate cognitive challenges, some Alter partners might shorten the length of services, or provide a quiet room for those who find the main service overwhelming. Additionally, services could begin with music instead of announcements to set a soothing tone, with lyrics displayed on screens to ensure everyone can participate. These thoughtful modifications make faith services more inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their cognitive abilities, can fully engage in their spiritual community.
Building Bridges
The Alter partnership offers a wealth of benefits beyond enhancing church services. It shares valuable information on reframing aging and provides access to University of Minnesota resources, such as the annual Caring for People with Memory Loss Conference. The partnership also offers critical support for caregivers, information about clinical trials, and opportunities to engage with research at the University.
Importantly, the Alter partnership is helping to build trust within African American communities, which is essential for overcoming historical trauma and addressing health care disparities. By connecting faith leaders with academic and health care resources, Alter is creating a bridge that ensures African American families affected by dementia receive the support they need.
In Minnesota, six faith-based organizations have already embraced the Alter program. This past April, representatives from four of these organizations attended the Alter Summit in Georgia, an event dedicated to growing the skills and capacity of those supporting people living with dementia. The summit featured a rich array of training sessions, keynote addresses, and even a gospel concert, underscoring the program’s deep cultural resonance.
Minnesota's presence at the summit was significant. Two of the state’s faith-based organizations—Amazing Grace Chorus and Progressive Baptist Church—led sessions on effective faith-based programming and evaluation. Additionally, Zach Baker, PhD, and Ashley Millenbah presented their research on the experiences of bereaved African American caregivers, contributing to the broader discussion on supporting dementia care within faith communities.
As Alter continues to expand its reach, the Minnesota faith-based organizations involved are not only growing their capacity to serve but are also setting an example for others across the nation. Through this partnership, Alter and the Minnesota Northstar GWEP are demonstrating the powerful impact that culturally sensitive, community-based approaches can have on public health.
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