Ensure long-term investment in First Link®

Fund First Link^® so people affected by dementia can get the help they need. 

First Link^® dementia support is the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon’s suite of programs and services that support people affected by dementia from pre-diagnosis to end-of-life. Last year, First Link^® helped over 13,500 people across the BC and responded to more than 16,000 calls and emails — in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu – but that is just a fraction of the number of people affected by the disease in this province. 

More than 85,000 people in BC are living with dementia, supported by over 45,000 family members and friends.¹ People living with the disease need help adjusting to the diagnosis, planning for the future and managing changes. Caregivers also need support – some say the stress is so high, they feel like they can’t keep going.² 

When family and friends are no longer able to provide care, a person living with the disease may need to move into long-term care or rely on emergency rooms^_3. People are more likely to end up relying on emergency options in hospitals, because there’s⁴ This puts additional strain on both the person and the system. 

First Link^® can help, but demand keeps growing. That’s why we’re asking the province to commit to a three-year funding agreement of $4.2 million per year. This investment would help people stay safely at home longer, reduce unnecessary hospital visits and ensure families get the timely, connected, community-based support they need. 

Tell your MLA: We need a three-year funding agreement of $4.2 million annually for First Link^®. This will ensure people get the help they need, when they need it. No one should face dementia alone. 

Share your story: Tell your MLA about your experience with dementia. What support did you need? How has First Link^® helped you or your family? Your experience can help make change.