Florham Park, N.J. – The Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter (AAGNJ) has announced the relocation of its North Jersey offices to 23 Vreeland Rd., Suite 105, in Florham Park, N.J. The centralized location allows the Greater New Jersey Chapter team to better serve the state in 14 counties, from Bergen to Ocean.

“The Greater New Jersey Chapter has established a deep presence within the state for almost 40 years. This relocation allows us to expand our offerings and presence, where there is an ever-growing need and demand for diverse Alzheimer’s and dementia care, support and community education programs,” said Cheryl Ricci-Francione, executive director of AAGNJ.

According to Ricci-Francione, as part of the chapter’s grand opening the not-for-profit organization is collaborating with RWJBarnabas Health and the Township of Livingston, along with many other community partners, to “Paint the Town Purple.” This effort is a component of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Awareness Month in June. In cooperation with local officials, community groups, organizations and businesses, the chapter is encouraging the community to prominently display purple. The intent of displaying these decorations is to raise awareness about the importance of brain health and maintaining strong mental cognition.

“One of the most visible initiatives is being undertaken by RWJBarnabas Health, with the illumination of the exterior of Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. This prominent display will serve as a reminder that dementia is something we need to talk about openly and candidly to erase the stigma. June is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate support of all those with Alzheimer’s and those who care for them,” she added.

The association’s 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report reveals there is an ever-growing burden of Alzheimer’s and other dementia on people living with the disease, their families, caregivers and society at large. In New Jersey alone, the report indicates:

  • More than 180,000 residents of the Garden State have Alzheimer’s or other dementia – this is expected to rise by 16.7% by 2025
  • 453,000 caregivers are providing 516,000,000 hours of unpaid care annually valued at $6.517 billion
  • Total Medicaid costs among statewide residents age 65 and older exceed $2.011 billion – this is expected to rise by 27.7% by 2025

Florham Park’s southeastern Morris County location is literally at the center of the AAGNJ Chapter’s geographic service area. “From the suburbs to the cities, our new location allows us to advance and strengthen our partnerships with leading hospitals and health systems, senior housing providers and local senior/public health agencies to assist even more people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers,” Ricci-Francione said. “What better place to lay down new roots than a town that refers to itself as ‘A Community of Volunteers?’”

Formed in 1980, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is the leading voluntary not-for-profit health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support and research in the Garden State. The chapter, formed in 1980, has been operating seamlessly to help New Jersey residents in Central and Northern New Jersey to navigate every phase of Alzheimer’s and dementia. For information about local education and outreach programs or the 24/7 Helpline, call 973-437-3931 or visit www.alz.org/nj.