NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - January 20, 2015) - The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) announced today that it has received a $25,000 CVS Health Community Grant. The Community Grants Program was created by CVS Health, as part of its commitment to building healthier communities. These grants support nonprofit organizations that are providing much-needed access to health care for at-risk and underserved populations. The support from CVS Health will help AFA expand its free, confidential memory screening program, affording AFA the opportunity to offer screenings at CVS Health Minute Clinics across the country
AFA has offered free, confidential memory screenings -- administered by qualified healthcare professionals -- at community sites nationwide for more than 12 years through its National Memory Screening Day initiative, which takes place each November. Memory screenings can be a first step in early detection of memory problems. The initiative became so popular that AFA has since expanded it to provide screenings year-round.
Memory screenings -- like other routine health check-ups, such as blood pressure screenings -- are non-invasive and last just five to 10 minutes. They consist of a series of questions and tasks and while results are not a diagnosis, a below average score can signal whether a person should follow up with his or her physician for a full evaluation.
"Research has shown that early detection of memory problems can put a person on the path to proper treatment," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and chief executive officer. "Early detection can also afford affected individuals an opportunity to participate in long-term care planning discussions and take advantage of clinical trials for medications and behavior therapies that may delay symptoms of Alzheimer's disease."
Fuschillo also points out that not all memory problems indicate that a person has Alzheimer's disease. Some memory issues may be attributable to vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and even depression -- all of which are treatable and in many cases, curable.
"As a pharmacy innovation company, we are committed to helping people on their path to better health. We are proud to support organizations that increase access to quality health care because we know their efforts are critical to delivering better community health," said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy, CVS Health. "We are pleased to support the work that AFA does in the community and we look forward to working with them to fulfill their program's mission."
AFA was selected to receive a grant through the CVS Health Community Grants 2015 application process. Grants were awarded to organizations, such as community health centers and mobile health clinics, which support CVS Health's commitment to enhance the health and well-being for at-risk and underserved populations by offering quality health and rehabilitation services and health education. The goal of the CVS Health Community Grants Program is to provide relief for both adults and children who lack medical insurance and help ensure they receive the proper medical care they need.
For more information on AFA's community memory screenings or to locate a participating site, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.
About Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, based in New York, is a national nonprofit organization that unites more than 1,900 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a toll-free hot line staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers, and professional training. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook.
About CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through our 7,700 retail pharmacies, 900 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 65 million plan members, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, we enable people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable, effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at www.cvshealth.com.