Annual African American Community Conference
Springfield
Join us for a free educational event - Release the Silence - focused on brain health and reducing the risk for dementia in the African American Community. This program supports caregivers, individuals seeking to learn more, and professionals interested in understanding health disparities affecting the African American community. Attendees will discover helpful resources, connect with community organizations, learn tips for brain health from the latest research, and gain practical guidance for caregiver self-care.
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Springfield, IL | May 2, 2026
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9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Union Baptist Church
1405 East Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Overview
Join us for this free educational program!​
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This conference is designed to educate our community, future caregivers, and the healthcare industry about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The program is designed for those who are caregivers of a person with Alzheimer's, individuals who want to learn more about the disease as well as professionals wanting to understand the health disparities which affect individuals in the African American community.
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What to expect:
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Discover resources for families on the dementia journey
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Connect with community organizations that can help
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Learn the warning signs to release the fear
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Gain practical advice on what to do after getting a diagnosis
Agenda
9:00 am
Registration, Check-in, and Resource Tables
9:30 am
Welcome and Introduction
Invocation 
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 Associate Pastor Gary Hammons, Union Baptist Church
Welcome Remarks
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Illinois State Senator Doris Turner
Welcome Remarks
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Delia Jervier,  Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter
10:00 am
Building Brain Healthy Habits - Ken Page, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator
10:30 am - 11:40 am
Panel Discussion -Breaking the Silence: Alzheimer’s Impact in Black Families
Moderator: Dr. Alonzo DeCarlo
11:40 am - 11:55 am
Q & A
11: 55 am – 12:00 pm
Closing Remarks
Committee Members
Catherine Stanford
Alonzo DeCarlo
Doris Turner
Ken Page
Juan Huerta
Keynote Speaker
Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH
Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, is the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Alzheimer’s Association®, overseeing strategic initiatives to strengthen the Association’s outreach to all populations, and providing communities with resources and support to address the Alzheimer’s crisis. In this role, Dr. Hill is responsible for developing cross-functional partnerships with organizations to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sponsors
Platinum:
Gold:
Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter
2200 Cabot Dr., Suite 460
Lisle, IL 60532
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