DCCI Task Force
The DCCI Task Force is composed of local Broward community leaders charged with developing dementia caring communities in Broward County. Florida has the second-highest incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in the nation – only behind California. There are approximately 560,000 individuals currently living with Alzheimer’s disease in the state of Florida with projections that more than 720,000 individuals will be living with the disease by 2025. These figures do not include other forms of dementia or the millions who serve as caregivers.
The goals of the Task Force are to:
- Increase awareness of dementia, services, and supports Accomplished through educational events, the media, and joint efforts with community leaders and stakeholders, including partnering state agencies.
- Provide assistance to dementia caring communities. Each participating community is supported by the Department of Elder Affairs to produce and implement community-specific action-oriented plans.
- Continue advocacy for care and cure programs. Advocating for the funding of programs that care for both those diagnosed with dementia.
If you are interested in joining the Task Force, please contact the Executive Director Charlotte Mather-Taylor.
DEMENTIA CARE AND CURE INITIATIVE (DCCI) TASK FORCE
Charlotte Mather-Taylor, Executive Director, Chair
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Milena Cedeno-Oblinger, Supervisor, Co-Chair
President & CEO
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward
Laura Copeland, Program Coordinator
Dementia Care and Cure Initiative
Department of Elder Affairs
Bureau of Elder Rights
Dr. Naushira Pandya, M.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Geriatrics
Project Director, Geriatric Education Center
Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern College
Dr. Murray H. Todd
Community Advocate
Shelly Greenberg
Community Advocate
Jennifer Braisted
Senior Public Policy Manager
Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Florida
Philip Solomon
Philip Solomon and Associates
Karen Herr, RN
Quantum Laboratories
Timothy G. Curtin
Memorial Healthcare System
Renee Podolsky
Community Health Director
Department of Health
Donna DeFronzo, NHA
Department of Active Aging
Mayor Anthony Caggiano
City of Margate
Diann Geronemus, LCSW, CCM
Community Advocate
Captain Scott Russell
Broward County Sheriff’s Office
Andrea Busada, Director
Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services
Dawn Liberta
Florida Department of Children and Families
Circuit 17 – Broward County
Stephanie Scott, MSSW, PhD
Principal Researcher
United Way of Broward
Heidi Friedman, Esquire
Friedman Elder Law Department
Lewis Beyda
Owner/Operator
Coral Springs Adult Day Care
Darlene Brown-Ponder
Tender Loving Care Adult Day Health Center
Deborah Golden
Florida Department of Children and Families
Adult Protective Services
Karin Diaz
Northwest Focal Point Senior Center
Irma M. Diaz
Homewatch CareGivers of Southwest Broward
Margaret (Maggie) R. de Cambre Borges, M.Sc.
Florida Department of Children & Families
Lymari Rivera
Florida PACE Centers
Elizabeth Hames, D.O., CMD
Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern University