Appalachian Memory & Aging Initiative

06/14/2026

🌅 Last night at sunset, a vision came to life in the very first Memory Mile Walk held in downtown Abingdon, Virginia. Members of our community gathered together to raise awareness and enhance supports for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia throughout our region.

We want to thank our supporters, sponsors, and community partners who participated in this event. Also, we extend our deep appreciation to Delegate Israel O’Quinn and Virginia’s Dementia Director, George Worthington, for their willingness to bring attention to the immense need for greater services and supports for older adults throughout Southwest Virginia!

The First Annual Memory Mile Walk was such a beautiful and touching event, we are already looking ahead to next year - so mark your calendars for June 11th, 2027 and make plans to walk with us to Help Southwest Virginians Age Well! 💜✨

Thanks to these sponsors, supporters, and community partners:
Israel O'Quinn
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Senior Helpers of SWVA
Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Abingdon Presbyterian Church - PCA
Abingdon Olive Oil Company
Visit Abingdon VA
Town of Abingdon, VA Mayor

📷: Autumn Cathey Photo
🎥: Emily White

06/09/2026

Here are some event Highlights this week.

06/08/2026

Come visit our booth at Withers Park in Wytheville this Thursday!

Senior Citizens Appreciation Day:

This Thursday June 11th, 2026, from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Withers Park, Wytheville.

06/08/2026

We enjoyed being interviewed on the WCYB Noon News today about the Memory Mile Walk!! Thanks for helping us spread the word, WCYB!

06/08/2026

🚨 Training Reminder for First Responders & Healthcare Professionals! 🚨

Don’t miss this outstanding educational opportunity!

Integrated Dementia Response for First Responders is coming up on June 13, 2026, at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. This FREE training is designed to help first responders and healthcare professionals better understand, recognize, and respond to individuals living with dementia.

✅ 6 Hours of Continuing Education for EMS & Law Enforcement
✅ Open to EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Healthcare Professionals, Mental Health Clinicians, and 911 Communication Specialists
✅ Learn from expert presenters on dementia care, medication safety, elder abuse recognition, community resources, and more
✅ Valuable knowledge that can improve patient outcomes and support families in our communities

There are still several spots available, but seats are limited! If you’ve been considering attending, now is the time to register. This is an important class that will provide practical skills and insights that every healthcare provider and first responder can use in the field.

📅 June 13, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA
💲 FREE Registration

Register today using the QR code on the flyer and help us spread the word by sharing this post with your colleagues and partner agencies.

06/05/2026

Please join us!!

✨Who: All Southwest Virginians!
✨What: First Annual Memory Mile Walk
✨When: Friday, June 12th at Sunset 🌅
✨Where: Downtown Abingdon, VA
✨Why: To bring dementia awareness and support to our region 💜

06/05/2026

Please join us for this special event! Register now 👇
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/memory-mile-walk-abingdon-va