Board Chair's Message
From Suzanne Hensing
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SUZANNE HENSING,
BOARD CHAIR
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With 2021 now in our rearview mirror, I write this message with a renewed optimism for the year – and years – ahead. Surely, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have taught us to value much and take for granted less—and perhaps to slow down and reevaluate how we spend our time. Personally, I have tried new activities and reached out to old friends I hadn’t heard from in some time. And, once this pandemic moves on from our lives, we will hopefully keep what’s good and lean into what we have learned.
Throughout 2021, we kept the momentum going strong for WISH even with most of our interactions being virtual. With robust online attendance, many new members, and an infusion of fresh ideas for the future of our organization, I am proud of our accomplishments and eager to keep improving upon the mission and vision of WISH.
One of the biggest highlights for WISH is our annual allocation event held each December. Prior to the pandemic, we met in person as a group; for the past two years, we have connected remotely to make these important decisions. Being physically apart has not dampened our enthusiasm, energy, commitment, and pride, however. Remarkably, this year, WISH allocated $350,000 in funds raised in 2021 to exceptionally worthy Banner Health programs and services. Winners were selected after seven-minute fast-pitch presentations made by leaders passionate about their particular programs and needs. Funds awarded total $100,000 more than WISH awarded the previous year, thanks to successful fundraising and member contributions in 2021.
WISH members voted to allocate funding to the following recipients and programs:
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute (BAI) for programming and research that supports Alzheimer’s and care giving:
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The Comprehensive Dementia Prevention Community (CDPC) – In response to adult children of a person living with dementia, who often fear meeting the same fate, this endeavor to implement a pilot group for the CDPC will assess and intervene on modifiable risk factors for future dementia risk, including physical inactivity/obesity, hypertension, depression, social isolation, insulin resistance/diabetes, poor diet, hearing loss, poor sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. Awarded $96,000
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Early Stage Engagement – For persons with early-stage dementia, with changes in instrumental activities of daily living, striking a balance between safety and independence often can result in the loss of purpose. This effort to engage individuals at the early stage offers an opportunity to tell their story, expressing themselves in familiar and unexpected ways. Insights gleaned can decrease stigma, inform supportive tools, provide insight into lived experience and create a sense of community to reduce isolation. Awarded $78,500
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The BAI Family & Community Services, Clinic & Research teams plan to collaborate to place a laser focus on improving services to underserved populations, including Hispanic, Black, Native American and Asian communities in a culturally sensitive way to better meet the needs of families living with Alzheimer’s/related dementias. The goal of this project is to make medical care, non-medical care and research opportunities more accessible for these unique groups to offer hope and help. Awarded $75,500
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Promoting advances in women’s health:
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Pharmacogenetic Outpatient Testing and Psychiatric Disorders – Patient responses to various therapeutic medications are greatly influenced by inherited common variations among genes, which are identified with pharmacogenetic testing. This program seeks to advance pharmacogenetic testing in psychiatric outpatients in clinical and research settings. Awarded $100,000
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If you did not have the opportunity to attend last year’s allocation event, I urge you to make plans to be part of it in December 2022. To see the culmination of our work in such a tangible way, with gifts awarded to the worthiest programs that advance health, well-being and research, is so rewarding.
In the coming months, you will receive invitations to unique programs offering enhanced networking and engagement opportunities. If you have not already done so, please consider attending the WISH Membership Happy Hour virtually on Thursday, February 3.
As always, please reach out to me with ideas or suggestions you may have. I look forward to talking with, or meeting for the first time, each and every one of you this year.
A local philanthropist dedicated to shaping a better Arizona, longtime Banner Health executive and former neurological intensive care nurse, Suzanne engages the community through leadership roles on boards and committees.
2020 Allocation Recipient Update
“With the generous support from WISH, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Family & Community Services team has launched a Support Line for patients and families to augment care by adding a deeper layer of support to readily address concerns, offer care strategies or provide a needed resource. In addition, funds have allowed our team to expand invaluable education and caregiver support programs to Black, Latinx, and Native American populations."
- Lori Nisson, MSW, LCSW
Family & Community Services Director
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute
In her own words, Lori Nisson explains the impact of the financial support Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Family & Community Services received from WISH’s 2020 Allocation Event:
The BAI Support Line was launched at BAI Phoenix in March 2021 and BAI Tucson in September 2021, exclusively for patients and families of our clinics. Banner Sun Health Research Institute hired a Registered Nurse to cover Support Line calls last month, allowing us to meet our goal to expand Support Line calls at all three locations during 2021 to better serve patient and caregiver needs and reduce burden.
We have partnered with a community stakeholder, FIBCO Family Services – a nonprofit serving vulnerable people – and will host our second Real Talk session on dementia in January 2022.
We continue to offer virtual Dementia Friends informational sessions for community members across the state, with specific outreach to Native American and Latinx populations, creating more than 1,000 Dementia Friends in 2021. In addition, our Caregiver Circle discussion group for Tribal caregivers has been gaining traction and will be offered to three additional Tribes in 2022. Finally, our Spanish-speaking dementia caregivers support group plans to transition from a virtual platform to a community-based support group at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in early spring 2022 to maximize support for this unique and deserving group of family caregivers.
HHS Secretary Becerra Announces a New Federal Commitment to Dementia Risk Reduction
United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra’s announcement at the end of December 2021 follows a recommendation in July by the NAPA Advisory Council that a new goal be added. The Advisory Council also recommended that this goal aim for a 15% reduction in the prevalence of 10 key dementia risk factors by 2030, including depression, diabetes, hearing loss, mid-life hypertension, physical inactivity, poor diet quality and obesity, poor sleep quality and sleep disorders, tobacco use, traumatic brain injury, and unhealthy alcohol use. An aggressive 15% reduction per decade in the prevalence of these risk factors could result in up to 1.2 million fewer people with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2050. Learn more here.
Opportunities for Neuroscience Scholars
If understanding the inner workings of the brain is on your mind, now is the time to explore the Banner-ASU Neuroscience Scholars program. Top-achieving college undergraduate and graduate science students are eligible to apply for the paid eight-week training program. Applications must be received by March 1.
Students selected for the program will work side-by-side with some of the world’s most talented scientists, clinicians and researchers in an environment devoted to neuroscientific biomedical research and clinical care. Learn more here.
For more information, eligibility requirements, and application visit neurosciencescholars.org.
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Get ready for a slate of new and engaging activities in 2022, cultivated specifically for WISH’s mission and vision. Invitations and additional details will be coming your way soon. In the meantime, save these dates and stay tuned for more:
WISH Membership Happy Hour – mixing, mingling and appetizers
Virtual
Thursday, February 3, 2022
4:00 p.m.
"Brain. Body. Balance.” An interactive evening benefitting WISH
Arizona Science Center
Thursday, March 3, 2022
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
"Care Package: From Comfort to Canines, Banner Health Offers Respite and Healing," presented by Sarah Payne, DO, Medical Director, Banner Hospice; Jeanette Sinohui, Director, Alliance of Therapy Dogs; and, Olivia Houck, Music Therapist, Banner Children’s
The Henry
Thursday, May 12, 2022
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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 Jenna Buchanan, MD
Dylon MacEachran
Rena Szabo, PsyD
Merle Rosskam
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Visit www.banneralz.org and find out more about BAI.
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BAI's BEACON e-newsletter has Alzheimer's news you can use.
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About WISH
Women Investing in Science & Health, known as WISH, is a membership-based philanthropic affinity group that supports, enhances and advances science and health care delivery. In partnership with Banner Health, we offer trusted evidence-based education and leading-edge information to women who are looking to provide quality healthcare options for themselves, their families and their networks.
Vision
WISH is a highly regarded affinity group of women leaders in Arizona that promotes and supports women’s and family health by offering evidence-based research, trusted resources and leading-edge, educational opportunities.
How to join
Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming a member of WISH? To join, they can make an annual tax-deductible $1,000 gift online or mail a check to:
Banner Health Foundation
ATTN: WISH
2901 N. Central Ave., Suite 160
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Call 602.747.4490 if you have questions.
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