“The African American Caregiver’s Forum and Health Fair”

Presented by Urban Strategies Council, Kaiser Permanente, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Black Alzheimer’s Association Advisory Council

The energy was high and the atmosphere filled with love and empowerment at “The African American Caregiver’s Forum and Health Fair".  Held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, in Fairfield, this event was created specifically for African American caregivers who are supporting family members living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

With 125 community members, including 60 caregivers, in attendance, the event provided a powerful space for connecting, healing, and accessing vital resources.  

Presentations were given by:

Vernice Cooper, LMFT, an award winning author and motivational speaker.  Mrs. Cooper led a discussion on “Who Helps the Helpers – A Self-Care guide for Caregivers.”  She took Forum participants on a journey through the Domains of Wellness.  

Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, Medical Director of the Sleep to Live Well Foundation.  Known affectionately as the “Sleep Doctor,” Dr. Washington gave a presentation entitled:  “Family Medicine: an Integrative Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and the Importance of Sleep.”  

Charles Windon, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, UCSF Memory and Aging Center, gave a powerful presentation on “Care-giving by the Numbers,” which was an overview of the devastating number of families, particularly in the African American Community, who are dealing with the impact of Alzheimer’s disease.

Urban Strategies partnered with Kaiser Permanente, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Black Alzheimer’s Association Advisory Council, UCSF, and the Sleep to Live Well Foundation to bring this much needed conference to the community.  

Mrs. Carla Preyer, who is featured in the "Facing the Wind” documentary, which was screened during the Health Fair, spoke eloquently about her husband, Patrick Preyer, who passed away in 2023 from Lewey Body Dementia.  This was followed by the moving testimony of Mr. Lloyd Chaney, Jr., whose sister, Denise Chaney, is currently living with the disease.  Both accounts pulled on the heartstrings of attendees, as both individuals bravely discussed the difficulties, the sense of helplessness, and the opportunity to love while providing care to family members.  Mrs. Preyer expressed how though her husband was an E.R. Nurse, it took more than 4 years for him to receive a diagnosis.  She said this demonstrates the importance of having an advocate who is willing to fight for a loved one’s care and proper diagnosis.

Throughout the day, caregivers expressed gratitude for being seen, heard, and supported; many noting that it was the first time they had experienced an event focused solely on their well-being.  Students from Samuel Merritt University provided blood pressure screenings and healthy recipes, as well as information on how to maintain healthy blood pressure.  Attendees were provided with invaluable resources from Solano Mobility, Meals on Wheels Solano County, REM Senior Day Program, Acasa Homecare, and A Place for Seniors.  

The Urban Strategies Council, with financial support from Kaiser Permanente, was proud to have brought this vital event to life, honoring the heart and strength of African American caregivers in our community.  Together, we are building a future of understanding, access, and hope.