Sheriff Salazar attends Dementia Friendly Board Meeting
The Dementia Friendly San Antonio Initiative is guided by an advisory board comprised of community members, health professionals, and representatives across various organizations and agencies. The Dementia Friendly Advisory Board (DFAB) meets every month to work together to put the priorities identified at the Town Hall into practice across our community. Among several other priority areas, the community recognized that first response and law enforcement agencies hold a unique position in society that can play a significant role in the quality of life of people living with dementia and family caregivers. This potential for impact is not lost on the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) who have been receptive and proactive in responding to the thoughts and concerns of our community.
On January 15, 2019, Sheriff Javier Salazar attended the monthly meeting with his team members, including DFAB board member and Senior Citizen Community Liaison, Deputy Ino Badillo with DFAB members Deputy Roger Pedraza and Deputy Rick Lozano. Sheriff Salazar and his team discussed the numerous programs already in effect at the BCSO that promote the safety and wellbeing of community members living with dementia and their family caregivers. One of the many initiatives lead by the Sheriff’s Office was the formation of the Sheriff’s Community Oriented Resource and Education (S.C.O.R.E.) Unit. This program is committed to outreach and education throughout the community, including special emphasis on senior health and safety through their Community Liaison program.
In addition to their ongoing education and outreach, the Sheriff’s Office is working with the DFAB to implement new dementia-friendly initiatives and practices within their organization. The Dementia Friendly Advisory Board for the Caring for the Caregiver program is looking forward to this exciting collaboration with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Updates will be posted soon.
For questions regarding the Dementia Friendly San Antonio initiative, please contact Jennifer Brackett at brackett@uthscsa.edu