Wadena, MN, February 2, 2026 — Wadena County Public Health is one of 12 health departments
nationwide selected to receive funding, education and technical assistance from the Alzheimer’s Association. The support will help strengthen local efforts to promote brain health and address dementia-related challenges.
The grant and additional resources are provided through the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map
Strategist Program. Led in partnership with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), the program equips local health departments with tools and resources to establish a part-time Road Map Strategist, a public health professional who serves as a systems-change leader advancing population health approaches from the HBI Road Map for State and Local Public Health, 2023-2027.
“Wadena County Public Health is excited to be included in this elite group of local health departments,” said Sarah Ness, Wadena County Public Health Director. “This grant and additional resources will help us support the cognitive well-being of our community while expanding services for individuals and families affected by dementia.”
Road Map Strategists will work in coordination with public health partners, including health systems.
With support from the Alzheimer’s Association, NACCHO and a peer network, Strategists will conduct a public health needs assessment, build partnerships, increase internal capacity and train their colleagues to address dementia as a public health issue.
“Public health is instrumental in promoting brain health, increasing access to diagnostic services, and
supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers,” said John Shean, MPH, director of the
Healthy Brain Initiative. “We’re seeing more local public health take on this work, and we’re excited to
collaborate with these 12 new city and county health departments as they lead the way to improving
health in their communities.”
The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Strategist Program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $17,025,598 with 100% funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.
About the Healthy Brain Initiative
The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) improves understanding of brain health as a central part of public
health practice. The initiative is guided by the vision that everyone deserves a life with the healthiest brain possible. The HBI creates and supports partnerships, collects and reports data, increases awareness of brain health, supports populations highly impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and promotes the use of its Road Map Series. The HBI Road Map Series provides actionable steps to promote brain health, address cognitive impairment and meet the needs of caregivers.