Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Big Bend Hospice has announced a renewed partnership with the ACTS 2 Project to host a series of Advanced Care Planning and Dementia Awareness Training sessions beginning in Fall 2025. The initiative aims to support African American caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia throughout the Big Bend Region.
The ACTS 2 Project, a faith-based support initiative housed at Florida State University, has served thousands of families across Florida and the Southeastern U.S. Its collaboration with Big Bend Hospice marks a regional effort to equip families with knowledge, tools, and resources to navigate caregiving and long-term care planning.
“Our collaboration with Big Bend Hospice is an exciting opportunity to support caregivers and families across the Panhandle better,” said Dr. Robert Glueckauf, Director of the ACTS 2 Project. “Together with ACTS 2 Project Coordinator Tomeka Norton-Brown, we’ll lead joint community workshops and presentations that offer much-needed information about dementia care and hospice resources.”
The training sessions will cover topics such as understanding dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the importance of early diagnosis, and how to create effective advance care plans. Participants will also receive guidance on caregiver support services and explore faith-based and community-centered approaches to care.
“Caregivers and community members often have many questions about these services but rarely can get them answered,” Glueckauf added. “This partnership will help close that gap.”
In addition to the training sessions, Big Bend Hospice and ACTS 2 will present at Lunch & Learn events hosted by the Tallahassee Senior Center and other senior centers in surrounding counties. These events will offer opportunities for older adults and caregivers to ask questions and connect with local resources.
“It’s a beautiful thing that Big Bend Hospice and ACTS 2 can collaborate, becoming one of the key vehicles for bringing dementia education to the community we serve,” said Travia Cromartie, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Big Bend Hospice. “Together, we’re not only raising awareness, but also empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate this journey with compassion, confidence, and support.”
Dates and locations for the upcoming sessions will be announced in the coming months. For more information or to involve your church, organization, or community group, contact Travia J. Cromartie at Big Bend Hospice at 850-878-5310 or tcromartie@bigbendhospice.org.
