Tulsa Police Department to be Recognized for First Responder Dementia Friendly Training

11/7/2019

Mayor G.T. Bynum presented the Tulsa Police Department a certificate of recognition for achieving Dementia Friendly Tulsa training Thursday morning.

During the year-long initiative with the Tulsa Police Department, 729 officers participated in the program designed especially for first responders. It was conducted as in-person, small group sessions led by Dementia Friendly Tulsa partner, Alzheimer’s Association – Oklahoma Chapter.

The dementia friendly training for first responders helps participants understand tactics and responses that are effective in situations that include persons with dementia. The program stresses awareness of behaviors such as memory loss, confusion, agitation, and wandering, as well as how those with dementia can be targets for fraud and abuse.

Mayor Bynum hosted a symposium in 2017 that set a roadmap for Tulsa to become a dementia-friendly community. Now part of the Dementia Friendly America Network, Dementia Friendly Tulsa is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization. The organization focuses on providing awareness training for the public to reduce fear and stigma about dementia and allow those with the disease, as well as their caregivers, to stay engaged in the community. The goal is to create an environment that is safe and respectful for those with cognitive decline.     

Free, one-hour Dementia Friendly Tulsa training is available to any group, business or school. For more information, visit the Dementia Friendly Tulsa webpage.