GENESEO, Ill. — Geneseo now has a new distinction!
The city is now one of only 31 communities in Illinois that are certified as Dementia Friendly. The title is given through the Dementia Friendly America group and works in coordination with the Geneseo Police Department's efforts to raise awareness of mental health conditions in the area.
"It's about educating people on what mental illness is and what it looks like, and how it's in all of our communities," Detective Jamie Shoemaker said.
With this new initiative, the city's police force, in collaboration with community members and local businesses, has created an independent task force to handle outreach efforts such as connecting families with health care services or caregivers. This task force will meet quarterly to improve their outreach efforts in the community.
While not required, the city is encouraging residents and business owners to take this five-minute training online to obtain their dementia-friendly certificate. Becoming a 'Dementia Friend' helps community members recognize signs an individual might need extra assistance. It also helps citizens know how to provide that help when necessary.
The following individuals are representatives for the Geneseo Task Force, according to a press release from the city's police department.
- Paige Seibel with the City of Geneseo
- Joe Wells with Central Bank
- Shelly Hickerson with Black Hawk Bank
- Diane Dynes with Liberty Village
- Mike Sigwalt with the Geneseo Food Pantry
- Barb Sigwalt with the Geneseo Library
- Sarah Snyder with Rebuilding Together
- Nicole Burton with Henry County Seniors
- Heather Charlet with Hammond Henry Hospital
- Bill Horrell with Adult Alternatives
- Geneseo Police Department representatives:
- Chief Casey Disterhoft
- Sergeant Ben Sleaford
- Detective Jamie Shoemaker
- Detective Tim Steines
- Officer Amber Berthoud
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