Our Goals

AMAI is committed to strengthening collaboration across healthcare, mental health, faith-based, and community organizations to improve care coordination and resource sharing throughout Southwestern Virginia and surrounding Appalachian regions.

Key Outcomes:

• Establish partnerships with at least 15 organizations by 2027
• Convene quarterly stakeholder meetings to foster collaboration and shared learning
• Develop and maintain an online directory of dementia and aging resources
• Increase regional awareness of dementia-related services through coordinated outreach

This collaborative infrastructure ensures that grant investments are amplified through shared systems rather than siloed programs.

Early detection is critical for improving outcomes, yet rural residents often lack access to screening and specialty care. AMAI addresses this gap by bringing assessment services directly into underserved communities.

Key Outcomes:

• Conduct 300+ cognitive screenings and assessments for adults age 60+ by 2028
• Partner with healthcare organizations to increase access to geriatric and specialty expertise
• Track assessment outcomes to identify unmet needs and guide future programming
• Establish referral pathways for individuals requiring follow-up care

By embedding assessments within trusted community settings, AMAI reduces stigma and barriers to care.

AMAI leads Dementia Friendly initiatives that empower residents, businesses, and public servants to recognize and respond compassionately to cognitive impairment.

Key Outcomes:

• Train Dementia Friends Champions in all 13 westernmost Virginia counties
• Educate 500 community members including first responders, educators, faith leaders, and caregivers
• Support at least 5 municipalities in adopting Dementia Friendly Community resolutions
• Foster inclusive environments that promote safety, understanding, and independence

These efforts create long-term cultural change that extends well beyond individual programs.

A well-trained workforce is essential to effective dementia response—especially in rural regions where providers often serve multiple roles.

Key Outcomes:

• Deliver 6 or more professional training workshops by 2028
• Train 200+ professionals across healthcare, emergency services, and mental health fields
• Integrate continuing education credits (CEUs/CMEs) to increase participation and impact
• Align training with Virginia law and the Virginia Dementia State Plan

These trainings improve clinical confidence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient outcomes.

AMAI prioritizes proactive education that reflects the lived experiences and needs of rural Appalachian communities.

Key Outcomes:

• Secure education sites in all 13 westernmost Virginia counties
• Deliver 24 brain health education seminars by December 2028
• Develop tailored outreach materials to increase community engagement
• Coordinate efforts with the Virginia Department of Health and Healthy Brain Virginia

Education empowers individuals to take action long before crisis points occur.