African American caregivers are a vital part of the caregiving landscape, often providing extensive support to family members while navigating systemic barriers, disparities in healthcare access, and cultural expectations around caregiving. African American compared to white caregivers are more likely to provide more hours of care, higher intensity care and to report unmet needs in terms of support and access to services (Piquant, 2005; McCann et al. 2000). The following resources are designed to support African American caregivers in Wisconsin and beyond.
Wisconsin-Based Resources
Wisconsin Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
Local ADRCs provide culturally responsive support, caregiver resources, and connections to services across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Minority Health Program
Works to reduce health disparities and improve access to culturally appropriate care.
Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute – Regional Milwaukee Office
Health institute that empowers the Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin communities of color, primarily African Americans, to actively participate by providing culturally-specific health care services for its aging populations affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other health disparities.
Legacy Home and Respite Care Foundation
Legacy offers a range of programs designed to support both caregivers and the people they care for. Services include community-based respite, caregiver wellness grants and self-care planning, education, and the Caregiver Sanctuary, a phsycial and virtual hub for rest, learning, and connection.
Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Health Equity Coalition
Coalition made up of volunteers from across the State of Wisconsin with a goal of spreading greater awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia within underrepresented and underserved communities, offering resources directly to and for these groups, and facilitating their participation in Alzheimer’s Association signature events.
Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Brunch
The annual Solomon Carter Fuller Brain Health Brunch is presented by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) with support from the CLARiTI, WRAP and PREDICT studies. Free and open to all, the event aims to raise awareness about topics related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Milwaukee Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity
The MKE Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity represents a collection of Black leaders and organizations building partnerships and capacity in Milwaukee to address barriers that prevent Black people from being healthy.
Autistic and Black in Milwaukee
Private Facebook group designed as a support group for African American families with children diagnoses with autism.
The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
Wisconsin based non-profit organization committed to mobilizing African American women to pursue and sustain mind-body-spirit wellness, and to raise the visibility and support of Black women’s health as a community and public health priority.
National Resources for African American Caregivers
Sawubona Africentric Circle for Support
Offers support group and resources developed to meet the distinctive needs of parents and caregivers who are Black and raising a child with special needs.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Black/African American Resource Section
Grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Health Equity & Advocacy
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Focuses on health equity and improving health outcomes for Black women and families.
National Black Nurses Association
Provides health education and community outreach that can benefit caregivers.
CDC – Health Equity Resources
Provides data and tools addressing disparities affecting African American communities.
Culturally Relevant Support & Community
AME Church and Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Groups
Monthly virtual caregiver support groups intended to allow caregivers to exhale and interact with others who are experiencing the same or similar situations. Groups facilitated monthly on Sundays and Thursdays.
Alter Program works directly with faith communities to create dementia-friendly and inclusive environments as a tool increase resources and awareness around dementia in African American and faith communities.
The Balm in Gilead
Faith-based public health organization supporting African American communities through education and outreach.
BlackDoctor.org
Health and wellness information tailored to African American communities.
