Education event planned for Parkinson’s Awareness Day

July 19, 2016

MANKATO — Stakeholders hope an awareness day this week in Mankato can highlight the wide range of services available for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Thursday will officially be Parkinson’s Awareness Day in Mankato, after the city worked with the National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota on the designation.

A free educational event will be held on the nervous system disorder as part of the designation from noon to 4 p.m. at the VINE Adult Community Center. Mayor Eric Anderson will read a proclamation, while service providers will speak about what they can offer those living with the disease.

Erin McGee, program manager for the National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota, helped coordinate the local designation. She said it’s a chance to recognize Mankato as a Parkinson’s friendly community.

“We’re trying to provide an overview for understanding,” she said. “So far people have been really receptive and understanding of the need for more awareness.”

One of those speaking at the event, Kristin Ziemke, owner of Avenues Music Therapy, said she hopes Thursday shows that people don’t have to face the disease on their own.

“It’ll be a great opportunity for individuals in Mankato to hopefully gain better access to services needed when you’re living with that disease,” she said.

The event is aimed at bringing people with Parkinson’s together. Sharon Chader, director of Elder Care Services, said it’ll be beneficial for people to know they’re not alone.

“Knowing that there’s other people experiencing the same things is important,” she said.

Ideally attendees will come away knowing the full spectrum of tools available in their area, Ziemke said. At the same time, it’ll be helpful to have different service providers under one roof, she said.

“It helps each of us know what’s available to refer clients to other services,” she said.

As someone whose organization works to retain the independence of people with Parkinson’s, Chader said Thursday can go a long way in spreading word of what help is available.

“I think Mankato has so many services and opportunities to keep people as independent as possible,” she said. “And this will help bring awareness not only to the disease but also some of the services available to help cope with it.”

If You Go

What: Parkinson's Awareness Day educational event

When: noon to 4 p.m. Thursday

Where: VINE Adult Community Center, 421 E. Hickory St.

Schedule:

1:15 — Welcome and Parkinson-friendly community designation

1:45 — Mayo Clinic presentation

2:15 — Avenues Music Therapy presentation

3 p.m. — VINE Adult Community Center presentation

3:30 — Elder Care Services presentation

4 p.m. — Closing remarks

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