Kimberly Crawford-Stokes w/Alzheimer’s Association & iHeart Jacksonville Day of Giving Campaign & Janay Brown w/JaxPal Poker Tournament

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to community viewpoints and Shawnie feeling blessed and highly favored.
On this Sunday morning, we are empowering our community here
in Jacksonville and around the world. Today I have Kimberly
Crawford Stokes. She's here from the Alzheimer's Association and we
are talking about the iHeart Jacksonville Day of Giving campaign.

Speaker 2 (00:22):
Kimberly, how are you doing today?

Speaker 3 (00:25):
I'm doing wonderful. Thank you for asking, Kimberly.

Speaker 1 (00:28):
Thank you so much for being a part of our
show this morning. Kimberly, just talk to us and tell
us a little bit about you and what you do
with the Alzheimer's Association.

Speaker 3 (00:38):
Okay, Well, I am a Jacksonville transplant, just like everyone
I think maybe about seventy percent of us here. But
been in Jacksonville for over twenty five years, graduated Bishop Enny, graduate,
Go Crusaders, and I have been in the senior housing

(01:00):
industry for over thirteen years. As it pertains to healthcare,
the bulk of my experience has been with the aging
population when it's time to maybe look at transitions to
someone living at home, whether it's assistant living or memory care,

(01:21):
which is the community it's a smaller part of an
assistant living community for those that are living with some
form of Alzheimer's dementia or any other form of cognitive
impairment like, for example, like a traumatic brain injury. So
that's what I spend my day doing. It's my passion.

(01:41):
I love the resource being an educator. So over time
that's kind of evolved to where I am now with
Baptist Baptist Home Health. I am one of their marketing managers,
primarily focusing on our PCPs, our primary cares here in
the community, in fact, disease and wound care. So throughout

(02:03):
all of that, I do also spend my time with
the Alzheimer's Association. I think we're going on about five
years now I've been part of the Alzheimer's Association, and
really my purpose is to be a voice or resource,
but also be an educator and have some form of

(02:23):
solace and calmness when people are in need, especially something
about Alzheimer's as it affects our community, the Black community
here in du Vaal County, because we do not have
as much awareness and just enough people talking about this
for us to actually get the information that we need.

(02:46):
In my opinion. So I take this very seriously. So
every day, anytime someone has questions, I'm always available to chat.
And you know, that's one thing about the Alzheimer's Association,
where there's always something new we can educate or give
information on or help someone with. So that's a little
bit about me. On another note, I am the newly

(03:09):
empty nester of two children and I am currently raising
my new child, which is a one year old golden
Doodle who is a standard size and very golden doodle ish.
So that's that's me.

Speaker 1 (03:20):
It's always good to, you know, have community advocates who
are passionate about what they do. So I'm kimberly if
you would what is Alzheimer's. You know there's some new
listeners some people are aware, but help the community understand
what is Alzheimer's and what are the warning signs?

Speaker 2 (03:38):
Okay?

Speaker 3 (03:38):
So, Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects
your memory. So it affects your memory and the brain,
thinking and behaviors. Symptoms usually they get they get a
little bit, they get more serious as the progression of
the disease, and then it does make it difficult to
for someone to just lit the daily lives and just

(04:02):
perform daily tasks. Some of those examples would be someone
that has memory loss that disrupts their daily life. Changes
in planning, or difficulty solving problems that they normally would
be able to work through, completing familiar tasks to them,

(04:23):
confusion with a time or place new, different problems with
understanding visual images or relationships, so judging distance, seeing something
on television, those are some of the warning signs. Pacing
back and forward and being flustered throughout the day, or

(04:47):
for some people, some of the signs are as simple
as not showing up to public public events that they
used to go to, not going to church all the time,
becoming more home bound, more reluctant, and making excuses to
not be around people. So those are some of the
warning signs. Not everybody that gets old succumbs to Alzheimer's

(05:11):
our dementia. So I do want to preface that these
are specific examples that do happen over time, and it
causes frustration, agitation, and flustering and sometimes behavior changes in
that individual.

Speaker 1 (05:25):
Hendy Shawnie speaking to Kimberly Crawford's Stokes. He's here from
the Alzheimer's Association helping us understand this disease. Now, Kimberly,
how does Alzheimer's impact Floridians?

Speaker 3 (05:38):
I feel like this is I feel like I'm saying
I'm like a DJ and they're doing that ad lib
that you hear all the time, like put your hands up,
because we hear the statement that I'm about to say
way too many times. But Black Americans are twice as
likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than white Americans. We're also

(06:00):
more likely to have more chronic health conditions associated with
the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neuropathy. So how that affects us
is it kind of adds to as a result of

(06:20):
already some diagnosis that as the Black community we do
have more of. As far as developing these these diseases,
it ends up hitting us even more. Another thing two
of it affects the black community is that we Black
Americans are not diagnosed as soon as white Americans. So

(06:43):
our Black Americans are our Duval County residents, They're not
being diagnosed until the disease has progressed. So far, there
isn't a lot of options as far as management and
ways to cope with the disease. So definitely we are
at a disadvantage here, especially here in Duval County. Anytime

(07:06):
that there's any trial going on, Black Americans are one
of the least populations represented in those clinical trials or
research studies. And that can be whether it's just a
field study where they may just be asking you questions,
or someone actually participating in a study where some form

(07:28):
of their DNA may be used or studied.

Speaker 1 (07:30):
Me and Dye Johnnie speaking to Kimberly here with us
from the Alzheimer's Association, enlightening us of some of the
things that we may not know or we need to know.
So Kimberly, what local resources exist for those impacted by Alzheimer's.

Speaker 3 (07:45):
So we do have We do have social media, We
do have the Internet. So of course we do have
the Alzheimer's website, which is Alzheimer's dot org. We also
do have a twenty four hour healthline. It's one eight
hundred two seven to two three nine zero zero. Again

(08:07):
it's eight hundred two seven two thirty nine hundred where
you can speak to a trained professional about free resources. Now,
when I say you are speaking to a trained professional,
you are speaking to a live person that is specifically
trained in Alzheimer's and dementia. So they can talk you

(08:27):
through various scenarios. They can offer you local resources as
far as where in your area is there a support group,
Where in your area are possible physical locations where you
can take your loved one if you need a break,
such as a respite stay. Where can you go to

(08:49):
have some type of involvement or interaction that's geared towards
some type of day program that's geared towards someone with
Alzheimer's or dementia. So there are a lot of resources
here in the city. Locally here in Jacksonville, Duval County,
and even about to Saint John's County, Clay County. Where

(09:12):
you cut that number, you get a live person. They
will talk you through it. But then also they're going
to give you some information so that the next day
you can you can have a little bit more peace
of mind and get a little bit more of information.
And I did also want to mention too locally, Black community,
we need to start talking about these concerns with our physicians.

(09:37):
We need to also be advocating and discussing these issues
with our insurance carriers. We should also be discussing this
openly with our families and talking collectively as a family
about resources, whether it's insurance, whether you're looking into some

(09:58):
form of page service that comes out and does some
things like a sitter or maybe a private duty, but
then also look into assistant livings, memory care, communities, support groups,
day programs as well, and the All Shimmer's Association. We

(10:19):
do have all of those resources available. So that's why
this Day of Giving is so important because all of
this is funded through fundraising through everyone here in town.
I mean, you never think about it, but you know,
whether it's five dollars a dollar, ten dollars, with the
amount of people that we have living here in Jacksonville

(10:40):
and just the amount of support that can bring hundreds
of thousands of people we can help with supporting with programs,
free resources, tools, support groups. Also it helps with us
legislature and lobbying for these things in the Senates and
then also in different houses in government.

Speaker 1 (11:01):
Kimberly, thank you so much for being a part of
the show today. I understand you know this is something
that is spread across all communities, but not just the
African Americans.

Speaker 2 (11:12):
Being that it's Pride Month.

Speaker 1 (11:14):
I'm looking at the website alz dot org and I
see that you have some information for the LGBTQ plus
community on your website and resources as well. Understanding, everybody
is invited to the walk that will be happening, correct.

Speaker 3 (11:34):
That is correct. Yes, unfortunately we cannot have fur babies
at the walk, but everybody is represented. Yes, disease, this
disease is not prejudice. This disease affects every every ethnic group,
every personal orientation, whether you're a male, female, this disease

(11:59):
of affects everyone, whether you are a caregiver, whether you
are you work in the healthcare field, whether you are
in the grocery store and happen to be the cashier
that's checking out somebody that has a loved one that
is asking them the same question over and over. So
there is nothing that we want to keep as far

(12:22):
as resources and availability, and it is a safe space
to get information, so we always want to express that.
And yes, we welcome LGPDQ, We welcome multi generational families.
This is the time to come out and support one another.
Become support resources for one another, celebrate your wins, but

(12:45):
then also take a moment and realize that everyone that
is here in Jacksonville, we are in this fight together.
There is solace and you do have a form of
healing and therapy amongst others that are going through your
city situation. And that's really what the walk is about.
It's an opportunity to raise awareness and it's an opportunity

(13:06):
to get the information out there. But it's also an
opportunity for those that have been through this to come
and fellowship and really celebrate all of the greatness that
we've been able to accomplish and also the greatness that's
going to come. You know, from five years ago to now,
we didn't have clinical trials. We didn't have drugs that

(13:30):
are now moving forward with the process of being available
for consumption. We didn't have that five years ago. We
have that now because of all of the works and
efforts through fundraising efforts, just like the Day of Giving
and fund raising efforts such as the Walk to End
All Summer's that's happening this November. So yes, we have

(13:50):
tons of resources for everyone. You know, shape, color, creed, affiliation, orientation, anything,
you know, so, yes, we are here for everyone. Resources
are available.

Speaker 2 (14:06):
Thank you so much, Kimberly.

Speaker 1 (14:07):
With the Day of Giving, tell the community how can
they start registering, how can they start participating? How can
we get going with a Day of Giving and empower
our community.

Speaker 3 (14:19):
Well, two ways that they can do that, I know
that we will be sending. There will be a text
a number that anyone with a cell phone can text.
There is no charge to your cell phones the carriers.
You just text that number and you'll get an immediate
response from the Alzheimer's Association and you just put in
the amount that you want to give. Very simple. That's

(14:41):
an easy way. I know us iPhone users we love
to use that. Another way you can do that is
by going online and going to Alzheimer's dot org and
you will see it right there it says day of Giving.
Or go to the iHeart site. I know that they
do have it on there as well, so we have
multiple ways. Another way that you can always do it

(15:01):
too is reaching out to your to your local Alzheimer's
association on point of contact. So that's another way. But
the easiest way today is whether you're in your car
or you're at work, or you're walking and just listening
to this radio station. You have your phone, Text the
number that you heard earlier in the program. Text a

(15:24):
number that you're hearing throughout this program. Just type in
Alzheimer's Association in your search bar, or ask Theory or
Big Speed, whichever.

Speaker 4 (15:35):
One you use.

Speaker 3 (15:37):
Just ask them how to donate for the Day of
giving on iHeartRadio.

Speaker 1 (15:42):
You mean the one in nine Americans age sixty five
and older has Alzheimer's, and of course one in five
women and one in ten men age forty five and
older will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime. This is a
call to action, so be sure to check out our
website and of course visit alz dot org backslash Jacksonville

(16:05):
Walk so that you can definitely be a part of
this amazing walk. Now, Kimberly, what's that helpline number? One
more time?

Speaker 3 (16:13):
It is eight hundred two seven two three nine zero
zero eight hundred two seven two thirty nine hundred And
then also let me add one other thing too, if
you're struggling and you don't know where to go, and
besides the phone, the Alzheimer's the twenty four hour line,

(16:37):
anyone that is in a church group, we have resources.
So we do also do local support groups at local
churches in your neighborhood, in your zip code. So from
time to time, like I said, reach out, you know,
send a chirp, send a pigeon. But however you're comfortable

(16:57):
online Alzheimer's dot org, texting for the Day of Giving,
or calling our twenty four hour hotline that we will
definitely be grateful for anything. And then also too, it
doesn't stop there. If you would like to volunteer, if
you would like to be part of a support group,

(17:18):
we have resources for that as well. If you would
like us to come and speak to your church group,
we have resources for that. If you want us to
come to your community and come to the local meet
and greet, we can do that as well.

Speaker 1 (17:31):
Immunity Help Us and Alzheimer's and all other dementia on
June the twenty seventh with the Jacksonville Day of Giving
to benefit Alzheimer's care, support and research. Now it shows
here all proceeds will benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer's
Jacksonville held on Sunday, November the ninth. Community just giving

(17:51):
you some dates because Alzheimer's is something we address every
day of the week, but with the Association today, they
have some peak times that we need to get involved
and understand that. You know, we're getting older, the community
is getting older. We need to take care of our
community and those that are battling. So, Kimberly, thank you

(18:12):
so much for tim. Is there anything else?

Speaker 3 (18:15):
Yes, and I appreciate you for allowing me to have
this space to, you know, talk about something that is
very important. And I will say this, we need to
do better as a community with information and reaching out
and having the help come into our community. We too
many times shun help away and we take burdens on

(18:39):
that honestly we can't bear. And it is nothing against
dignity to ask for help, you know, we do. We
only we A day may consist of twenty four hours,
but eighteen of that you're taking care of existing life,
you know. So us being the black community here in

(18:59):
Duval County, we have some of the best care and
resources in this city. However, if we do not start
tapping into those resources, we become excluded from those resources.
So this truly, Shawne, you used the most impactful words

(19:19):
I call to action. So I just wanted to say
thank you for allowing me to have this time. Definitely
love being a part of the iHeart Day of Giving,
and I just want to say out there to everyone
that's listening, we're here for you and please reach out.

(19:40):
Thank you so much, You're welcome.

Speaker 1 (19:43):
Kimberly, thank you for your drive, thank you for being
a part of an amazing group of people that is
doing great work in the community. So thank you so
much for your time today, and thank you for sharing
your passion. You hear it in your voice, you hear
it in your delivery, and of course we are behind
you here at iHeart to ensure that the Day of

(20:04):
Giving campaign is a success.

Speaker 2 (20:06):
Community.

Speaker 1 (20:07):
Be sure to check out our websites and of course
you can always go to ALZ dot org, backslash, Jacksonville Walk.

Speaker 4 (20:16):
Kimberly, thank you, thank you so much.

Speaker 2 (20:18):
And we're back with community viewpoints.

Speaker 1 (20:21):
Sashawnee feeling blessed and highly favored on this Sunday morning.
We are empowering our community today. I have Janey Brown.
She is the development director at the Police Athletical League.

Speaker 2 (20:34):
Jannay, how are you.

Speaker 4 (20:35):
I'm good, Thank you so much for having me on.
How are you?

Speaker 2 (20:38):
You know Jennay doing great. Always ready to talk to
people who are empowering our community.

Speaker 1 (20:43):
Jenay, if you would just tell us a little something
about yourself before we get into what the Police Athletical
League is doing.

Speaker 3 (20:50):
Well.

Speaker 4 (20:50):
As you mentioned, i am the development director at JACKSPOWE
or the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, and I'm just
here to empower kids, help kids grow and provide a
safe space for them.

Speaker 2 (21:04):
Are you from Jacksonville, Jenney, I.

Speaker 4 (21:06):
Am from Jacksonville born and raised. So I went to
Atlantic Coast High School. I graduated from the University of
North Florida and multimedia journalism. I also cheered on the
Roar for about a year, so that was really fun
as well.

Speaker 1 (21:23):
Community Shawnee speaking to Jenney, she is here with us
to talk to us about what's going on with the
Police Athletical League. So Jenny, tell us just a little
bit about the JAX PAL of.

Speaker 4 (21:34):
Course, So we serve hundreds of local youth each year.
We have six sites, including two special needs schools. We
offer seven sports. We also offer mental health support as well,
and our thing is we like to build strong relationships
between law enforcement and young people. That's a little bit
about Jack's.

Speaker 1 (21:54):
Pale and I understand Jackson pal is just active in
the community after school events or children helping parents. But
you have a tournament coming up. Talk to us about
the poker tournament that we'll be coming to the area.

Speaker 4 (22:08):
Yes, so this is our first ever poker tournament, so
we are super excited. It's called the June Jackpot. I
created that myself. It's happening on Friday, June twentieth. It's
going to be a fun night of poker, food, drinks,
and lots of Canadian spirit. Plus we also have a
grand prize, which is a Premier League edition Predator pool table.

(22:29):
So it should be lots of fun.

Speaker 1 (22:30):
And we do the funds from the poker tournament. Once
you get those funds, how do you allocate them?

Speaker 4 (22:36):
So also ceas go directly back into Jack Powell and
our youth programs. It helps support our education program or
athletics program, and helps provide funds for our social needs
programs as well as our summer camps. So it goes
directly back into us and helping our kids.

Speaker 1 (22:54):
Me and the Shawnie speaking to Jane Brown. She is
the development director with the police at the Political League.
Here to talk to us about the Jackspal Poka tournament coming. Now,
what makes this event so extra special in the Jacksonville community.

Speaker 4 (23:11):
Well, I think it brings people together for something bigger
than just a good time. It's about supporting the future
of our city, which is our kids, and it gives
the community a fun and meaningful way to connect with
each other but also get back.

Speaker 1 (23:26):
How can the community get involved with this jack poker tournament?

Speaker 4 (23:31):
So you can visit our website jacks Powder or to register,
or you can follow us on our social media at
jacks pal and you can scan DQR code on one
of our flyers.

Speaker 2 (23:41):
And community you can go to our website as well.

Speaker 1 (23:43):
The flyer is on our community calendar page. Janney, I
understand that this is something that's near and dear to you.
So how long have you been with jacks Pau.

Speaker 4 (23:54):
I have been with jacks Pau since January, so I'm
very new, very excited to start making a change.

Speaker 1 (24:01):
Understood, And is there anything else you'd like to tell
us about the jacks palell Poker tournament coming to the city.

Speaker 4 (24:08):
Just come out, put your poker faces on, and have
a good time.

Speaker 2 (24:12):
Community.

Speaker 1 (24:13):
You can always check out the information on our community
calendar page. We have the flyer that Janey indicated, So
get on out there help jax pale as they help
our community. Understanding that bottom line, this is to help
serve our community, students and the children that are growing
in our community.

Speaker 2 (24:32):
Correct, Janay, Absolutely anything else.

Speaker 4 (24:35):
That's all that I have. Thank you so much for having.

Speaker 2 (24:37):
Me on community.

Speaker 1 (24:38):
Be sure to check out our community calendar page all
the information you need to know about what's happening in
the community. Thank you so much. Thank you so much
for listening to community viewpoints. Have a blessed day.