GRAND RAPIDS — Two state grants will support efforts in Northern Minnesota to increase awareness of dementia, promote early diagnosis and connect caregivers to resources.
The Grand Rapids-based nonprofit ElderCircle will receive $134,833 to fund its programming in Itasca County, where one-quarter of residents are 65 years old or older, the Minnesota Board on Aging reported.
ElderCircle is implementing a proactive approach to addressing dementia-related needs among hard-to-reach, low- to moderate-income people and their caregivers. Activities will include access to dementia screening with formal referral pathways, respite services and expanded caregiving education from Board on Aging-certified caregiver consultants.
The Regents of the University of Minnesota will receive $49,961 to support a two-day regional gathering on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation. Called "Honoring Elder Wisdom," the event will be centered on education and support around Alzheimer's disease and related dementias for Native American people and those who serve them.
Area providers will collaborate with three Minnesota tribal nations and the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth. The event includes experiential, evidence-based dementia education and resources for family and friends caregiving.
“Dementia is not a normal part of aging,” stated Maureen Schneider, board chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging, in a news release. “Timely diagnosis that uses the right tools is key to treatment and support and can create better outcomes for people with memory loss and the family members and friends who care for them.”
Five other Minnesota organizations will also receive funds from the $750,000 in grants going out this fall.
They include the African American Child Wellness Institute in Plymouth, Faith Community Nurse Network of the Greater Twin Cities in Shoreview, Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis, Perham Health in Perham and Prairie Five Community Action Council in Montevideo.
-
Graphic/KAXEKAXE's online guide features candidates at all levels who will be on Northern MN ballots. Free, printable PDFs of guides covering statewide races and local races in Aitkin, Beltrami and Itasca counties are available now. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new releases from Danielle Ponder, Jake Blount, Sampa The Great, Jeremy Messersmith, Star Moles and The Decemberists. Then, Everybody Loves The Pick from '76. -
Lorie ShaullThe agreement between the city and Pulsar Helium is the first step for the proposed facility that Pulsar says could kickstart a new advanced manufacturing industry in the state. -
Contributed/Center for Rural Affairs and Tribal Business News via Minnesota News ConnectionThe Public Utilities Commission directed Minnesota Valley to stop unlawful disconnection threats to the Upper Sioux Community over its behind-the-meter energy project. -
Contributed/Jerry BrademanGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from longtime Back Porch Harmony host and volunteer, Jerry Brademan. -
Family memories, farming education and Minnesota’s first “crannonball” make for a fruitful day at the Minnesota Cranberry Co.’s harvest. -
Minnesotans across the state will have a constitutional amendment on their ballots asking to increase the yearly allotment from the Permanent School Fund. For some, the measure is 20 years in the making.
-
Plus: Beltrami County officials tour the under-construction jail facility slated to open in May 2027.
-
Contributed/Tom PageAn open community jam in September 2026 was centered around the history and legacy of four families in Grand Rapids with deep musical ties to the area. -
Contributed/M StateThe closure announcement comes as the Minnesota State system announces plans to "right size" its operations over 50 campuses amid financial challenges.
