Health and Community Services
October 5, 2015

Strengthening Health Care Programs and Services

Investment of $40,000 Supports the Alzheimer Society's First Link Program

The Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador's First Link Program will benefit from an investment of $40,000 by the Provincial Government. The program provides early access to ongoing services and support to individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

"By the year 2038, it is estimated that more than 15,000 individuals in this province will be affected by Alzheimer's disease. In consideration of how individuals and their families will be affected over the coming years, our government has provided an investment of $40,000 through the Chronic Disease Policy Framework for the First Link Program. This investment in the program will increase access to supports and services and assist individuals and families in addressing the many challenges associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The First Link Program allows physicians and other community health care providers to directly refer people living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to services and supports at the time of diagnosis and throughout their lives. The program began in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2012 and, as of September, had a total of 230 clients. The program connects individuals and their families to:

• Local support groups;
• Opportunities for one-on-one support;
• Community programs and services; and
• Information on diagnosis, day-to-day living, and positive approaches to care.

"We are so pleased that the Provincial Government is committed to helping the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador continue our First Link Program within the province. We are seeing increasing participation numbers, and we feel the program is a vital link to help individuals seek support immediately upon diagnosis."
- Shirley Lucas, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

Through Improving Health Together: A Policy Framework for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government aims to create a supportive, evidence-based, and coordinated system that meets the needs of individuals at risk for or living with a chronic disease. For more information, visit www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/chronicdisease/cdcontrol.html

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing $40,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador for the continuation of the First Link Program.
• Through the First Link Program, physicians and other health and community service providers can directly refer people living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to services and support at the time of diagnosis and throughout their lives.
• The Chronic Disease Policy Framework builds on the aims of the Provincial Government's Population Growth Strategy, a 10-year plan to support individuals and families. For more information, visit homeforgoodnl.ca .

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca

Shirley Lucas Executive Director Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-576-0608, 1-877-776-0608 info@alzheimernl.ca

2015 10 05                                        2:15 p.m.