December 8, 2008

The Johns Hopkins Memory & Alzheimer’s Treatment Center recently received the 2008 Barbara Mikulski Award by the Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education.

During the past five years, the Memory Center has worked closely with the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education to increase community access to care, educationand research for Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. In 2008, the Memory Center hosted several educational programs on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus, including a research participant appreciation forum and "A Journey to Hope" conference, which provided information and support to patients, their families and caregivers.

Annually, the Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Educations honors Baltimore caregivers for the "tireless" job that they do as "informal" caregivers. The Barbara Mikulski Award is given to an individual caregiver and an organization. Criteria for the organization award is based on community involvement to make the lives of families, caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer's and other debilitating illnesses, more livable and stress free. The awardees have provided the community with education, service, advocacy and outreach.

The award is named after Senator Mikulski for the years of support and advocacy through various legislative initiatives she has provided on the behalf of caregivers and families in our community.