The Directory 2023-2024

Support for families of color to stay together continued from page 29 L ear n

Prejudice An African American walked into a business and requested a walk-in appointment from a young white woman at the counter. Her response was, “It’ll be a one hour wait.” A white woman comes in and requests the same service. For her there is no wait. Th is isn’t a story from 1960 but today. “ Th e young people are acting like their parents, espousing what they learned around the dinner table. Th ese are multi-generational prejudices.” Health inequities “Health inequities are not over and in the past. We people of color are living health inequities,” Harris said. In fact, Minnesota has some of the largest racial, ethnic, and geographic inequities in health status and incidence of chronic disease in the country, according to a report by MN Community Measurement, a nonpro fi t that works to improve health care in the state by collecting, assessing, and publishing health data. White allies “Use your strength to elevate the cause. White allies’ voices are going to be louder. If you see it, call it out.” Harris said about discrimination. Ways to get involved Volunteer! Th e pandemic shortened the list of volunteers for the caregiver program and you are needed. Interested? Call (952) 945-4034 to receive services or volunteer. Understanding what’s lead to mistrust–both current and historic

Herbert We received a call from Herbert, the primary caregiver for his wife in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease. He wanted to fi nd a neurologist who was African American, as he didn’t feel his wife was receiving unbiased dementia healthcare. He also wanted to delay nursing home placement and keep his wife at home for as long as possible. We were able to fi nd a neurologist of color and home care services. Although caregiving can be di ffi cult at times and stressful, there are times of enjoyment– I call that a labor of love. We check in frequently with Herbert and his wife, who are both in their 80s.

Committed to caring for loved ones at home, families of color can rely on the caregiver support program to help them.

Or visit www.voamnwi.org/ culturally-responsive-caregiver support-and-dementia-services

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