Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to highlight those helping others, to hold national Caregivers’ Day November 16
Chicago, IL (November 12, 2018) – Each year millions of Americans take on the responsibility of caring for others. Whether it’s aging parents, a spouse or child fighting a debilitating illness, they do what’s needed to take care of their loved ones. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will hold its first ever AKA Caregivers’ Community Impact Day on Friday, November 16 to recognize the tremendous work of these individuals. The service organization will kick-off their national observance at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with a public event beginning at 10am. For more information and to register for the Detroit event, email akacare4caregivers@gmail.com.
“We know caregivers spend an incredible amount of time taking care of others, oftentimes at the expense of their own health, because we have hundreds of members taking on that role,” said AKA International President Glenda Glover.
“The sorority wants to remain at the forefront of women’s health by having our first AKA Caregivers’ Community Impact Day to show caregivers we appreciate what they do, but to also address the stress involved that can result in caregiver syndrome.”
During this national initiative, chapters will partner with local organizations and provide workshops and community events that bring awareness to caregiver syndrome and measures to prevent it. Ora Douglass serves as international program chair for AKA, but has first-hand knowledge of the tedious role as a caregiver. Douglass says even with her healthcare background and being retired, she still finds herself putting her needs aside to care for others. She is a former geriatrics nurse.
“I am caring for two individuals, one is vision impaired and the other is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, and it’s easy to be consumed with their needs because you want to make sure they’re ok,” said Douglass.
“Minority caregivers, especially African-American women, are less likely than non-minorities to take care of themselves and address the link between the stress of caregiving and mental health. Our caregiver day makes it all about them.”
While the national observance will kick-off in the sorority’s Great Lakes Region in Detroit on Friday, chapters will participate nationwide by hosting various activities. They include community events featuring a “one stop shop” to provide information on resources available to assist with caregiving; hosting supports groups to discuss the signs of caregiver fatigue and treatment; and social media postings with messages of appreciation and e-cards.
AKA Caregivers’ Community Impact Day is a part of the Women’s Healthcare and Wellness target under President Glover’s international programs platform. Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service is the program theme from 2018-2022 under her administration.
