Minnesota and North Dakota: JustUs Health and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Minnesota-North Dakota will hold a virtual community-focused listening session 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the unique impacts of Alzheimer’s dementia, and memory loss for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The two organizations want to expand their work in bridging the care gap for LGBTQ+ senior citizens.

The event is open to all, but registration is required. People can register for the online forum at bit.ly/justusforum.

“Two decades of our survey research has shown an alarming lack of confidence on the part of the LGBTQ+ community in the readiness of aging service providers to work with LGBTQ+ clients,” said Phil Duran, director of Advocacy, Research and Education at JustUs Health. “Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous change both nationally and regionally in the visibility and social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. However, 80% of LGBTQ+ elders still fear that their care providers will discriminate against them if they are out.”

“We are excited to grow our partnership with JustUs Health,” said Mollie O’Brien, chief strategy officer, Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. “The burden of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia continues to grow, as does the population of LGBTQ+ older adults. LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk for health disparities and discrimination, so in partnership with JustUs Health, we want to ensure dementia programs and services are responsive to the needs of LGBTQ+ caregivers and LGBTQ+ people living with the disease.”