Head to Seattle's First Hill between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, for the first annual Brain Health Block Party. The UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center is hosting the event.
This special event honoring Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness month features outdoor "brain-healthy" activity stations spread throughout the neighborhood. As you walk from site to site, try bike-powered smoothie making or tasty frozen yogurt, solve a puzzle, play games, make art, and more!
Emily Meeks, who manages the Dementia Friends Washington public awareness program at the Memory Hub and came up with the block party idea, said the fun neighborhood event will celebrate easy steps to promote brain health, such staying active, reducing stress, challenging our minds, connecting with others, and eating a healthy diet. It's also a way, she added, to build awareness about memory loss and dementia.
"The heartbeat of Dementia Friends Washington is about building community and creating connections to help make where we live dementia friendly," Meeks said. "I am excited for how the first annual Brain Health Block Party will bring people together as a way of celebrating community and brain health."
Participating organizations include:
- The Memory Hub (1021 Columbia St.) with collaboration from Nurturing Roots Farm
- Activity station located at building entrance on Columbia St
- Frye Art Museum (704 Terry Ave.)
- Activity station located on north side of building on Columbia St
- Murano Senior Living (620 Terry Ave.)
- Activity station located at building entrance on Terry Ave
- Skyline (715 Ninth Ave.)
- Activity station located at the Terraces building entrance
- St. James Cathedral (804 Ninth Ave.)
- Activity station located at the NW corner of Columbia St and Terry Ave
- Horizon House (900 University St.)
- Activity station located at side entrance on Terry Ave
- Swedish First Hill (747 Broadway Ave.)
- Activity station located at building entrance on Broadway Ave
Each participating organization is committed to supporting older adults and the community at large.
Anisa Ralls, director of the Mental Health and Wellness Ministry at St. James Cathedral, said, "We are excited about participating in the Brain Health Block Party because we believe that brain wellness is important for everyone. And we believe in having strong partnerships and strengthening our community."
Erika Campbell, social services care connector at Horizon House, agreed: "Horizon House is excited to be a part of building a dementia-friendly community. We are eager to share the possibilities of purpose-driven, meaningful relationships all through the dementia continuum with our neighbors and allies of every age and demographic."
Visiting all 7 stations would cover 1 mile. The free, family-friendly event welcomes all ages.
Pick up an event map at any participating location on the day of, or download it in advance here: https://thememoryhub.org/event/brain-health-block-party. Collect stamps at each station, and visit at least 3 stations for a chance to win a special brain-health raffle prize.
