Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure Public Health Program
- Project Title: Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure Public Health Program
- Program Representative Interviewed: Dr. Kina White
- Location: Mississippi
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Program Overview: The BOLD program uses a public health approach to Alzheimer's disease
and related dementias (ADRD) throughout Mississippi. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds
states across the country over a five-year period (2023-2028) to develop and expand public health
infrastructure to meet the needs of older adults with ADRD.
The statewide coalition, representing various sectors, developed a strategic plan for addressing ADRD, outlining goals in five domains: research, brain health, coordinated care, caregiver support, and community awareness. The BOLD program joined the coalition in 2020 when funding was first awarded to the state. Each of the five domains has goal group leaders that strategically integrate BOLD program goals and objectives to strengthen risk reduction and early detection strategies, including support for caregivers. A key initiative of the state's BOLD program is creating dementia-friendly communities, such as through the Alter Dementia program, which partners with churches to reduce stigma and promote dementia friendly spaces for those living with dementia and their families. BOLD also fosters dementia awareness in community spaces like grocery stores and banks. In healthcare, the focus is on clinical training, building educational capacity, coordinating care, and integrating brain health within chronic disease programs.
The BOLD program leverages spaces like libraries and churches for dementia prevention activities offering seed funding opportunities and integrating risk reduction in primary care services. BOLD aims to reduce gaps and increase service delivery in rural areas. BOLD coordinates activities through a network of strategic partners, including elected officials, hospitals, libraries, churches, academic institutions, and state and national agencies. Goal group leaders for each domain share progress reports with the wider program, the community, legislators, and other key stakeholders.