During Black History Month in February, the Alzheimer’s Association is recognizing the contributions from Black individuals making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. The need for strong voices and advocacy on behalf of Black communities has never been greater, because African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans. Edith Crawford, a board member and support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter, is personally connected to this cause because her mother died of Alzheimer’s, which she lived with for 19 years, and her sister had dementia as well. Crawford now uses her personal experience to help other caregivers as a support group facilitator. She started her first support group in January 2020 at the Evelyn K. Davis Center because she saw a lack of Alzheimer’s and dementia resources for Des Moines residents in the inner-city community. Since March 2020, her support group has been held virtually on the third Thursday of each month and is open to all caregivers. Volunteers like Crawford and other Black voices in the fight to end Alzheimer’s are critical to spread awareness and provide support for the African American community, the organization said. More information can be found on the Alzheimer’s Association website or by calling the 24/7 help line at 800-272-3900.