On May 7, 2022, the University of Waterloo hosted a working meeting in Toronto, ON with multiple stakeholder organizations including individuals representing provincial Alzheimer societies, first responders, dementia specific planning groups and Peguis Nation in MB. The goals of this meeting were to connect with stakeholders to create a strategic guide that aims to engage key partners as well as develop a work plan that addresses search and rescue training materials and dementia-friendly first responders.
The meeting incorporated activities that established connections between partners, discussed information surrounding the project and developed key measurable outcomes. Discussion topics included the potential for a national forum, resources needed for success of implementation, and the recruitment of a stakeholder working group. Overall, the meeting was successful in expanding important learnings and findings for the Dementia-Friendly First Responder Resources Project from SAR NIF [Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund, Public Safety Canada].
Photograph Credits: Hector Perez