Dementia Friendly Susquehanna Valley

Dementia Friendly Susquehanna Valley (DFSV) is a regional initiative led by Marissa Marshall and Elaine Spicher of Kreisher Marshall & Associates, LLC along with a team of community leaders representing various sectors of the DFSV region including local area agencies on aging, law enforcement, business, education, care partners and social services. Currently, DFSV is working to educate our region by offering Dementia Friends sessions to all sectors of the community and develop a strong network of Dementia Friend Champions, by partnering with Bloomsburg University, in an effort to reach as many community members as possible. Specifically, DFSV is working to educate the community about what Dementia is, what it isn't and how we as a community can better support those living with dementia and their caregivers so they are free from stigma and thrive in our community. DFSV is also working with local hospitals and physicians to educate the community of the different types of dementia and encourage early detection and diagnosis. Future goals include a collaboration with local school districts to develop intergenerational partnerships between students and seniors by working with local youth organizations such as Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) and the National Honor Society and increased dementia training for first responders.