Coalition Committees

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee


Committee Co-Chairs: Vincent Tilford (vtilford@hannan.org), Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation; Irving Vega (vegaie@msu.edu), Michigan State University; and Brenda Roberts (broberts@miassistedliving.org), Michigan Assisted Living Association.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee aims to develop and disseminate culturally sensitive and inclusive strategies to reduce healthcare disparities and promote equitable access to quality services for those living with dementia and their caregivers. The committee coordinates with the Steering Committee to increase awareness of prioritized needs and challenges of individuals from underserved areas and members of underrepresented groups among partners of the Michigan Dementia Coalition (MDC) and other stakeholders that provide dementia care, education and social services. This committee, along with the input from other MDC subcommittees, will develop strategic relationships with underserved and underrepresented communities to address the impact of dementia and include their perspectives and efforts to create a Dementia Capable Michigan for all Michiganders.

Diversity refers to the variety of differences among people, including, but not limited to, race/ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, immigration status, national origin, geographic location, health status, and religious background. Equity refers to shared governance and active participation of all constituents in decision making. Inclusion refers to actions and policies to foster the views and needs of all constituents

Read our recent letter to policymakers setting forth Considerations for Persons Living with Dementia and their Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic (BELOW):

MichDementiaCoalition_DEI_Policy_Guidelines.pdf

Interested in joining this committee? Email the committee co-chair, Vincent Tilford (vtilford@hannan.org) for more information!