Johnson City, TN, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Alzheimer’s Tennessee is kicking off the ‘Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Statewide Race to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory’ with free ‘Pit Stop Celebrations’ in the Tri-Cities region. The events, taking place at Walmart locations in Johnson City and Bristol, aim to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease while providing resources for affected families. Activities include family-friendly entertainment and food trucks, emphasizing the significance of Silver Alerts for those experiencing memory loss. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support more than 120,000 residents in Tennessee currently dealing with Alzheimer’s.
Johnson City, TN – Alzheimer’s Tennessee is set to kick off the “Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Statewide Race to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory” with a series of free community events, known as “Pit Stop Celebrations,” in the Tri-Cities region. Taking place on Friday, these events aim to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease while providing valuable resources to those affected.
The “Pit Stop Celebrations” will be held at two Walmart locations in the area. The first celebration will occur at the Walmart on Brown’s Mill Road in Johnson City from noon to 2 p.m. The second celebration will take place on Century Blvd. in Bristol from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both events promise family-friendly entertainment, including food trucks and games, alongside the distribution of informational resources for families with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
This initiative focuses on enhancing public awareness and generating funds for Alzheimer’s-related issues impacting Tennessee residents. One of the critical components emphasized during these celebrations is the importance of Silver Alerts for individuals experiencing memory loss. Silver Alerts serve to provide law enforcement with essential information to assist in the search for loved ones who may have wandered off.
Notably, about six out of ten individuals suffering from dementia tend to wander, posing significant risks to their safety. Since the introduction of the Silver Alert Law in 2021, approximately 500 vulnerable Tennesseans have been safely located, thanks to the support and advocacy of volunteers from Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
Walmart is playing a supportive role in this event, reflecting its commitment to the community, as many of its employees and customers have been personally affected by Alzheimer’s diseases. Currently, over 120,000 Tennesseans and their families are coping with Alzheimer’s disease, which is identified as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. However, some statistics suggest that when accounting for underreported death cases, it may be closer to the third leading cause.
In summary, the Pit Stop Celebrations are open to the public at no cost, providing a supportive environment where families can learn more about Alzheimer’s and the resources available to them. For further information about Alzheimer’s Tennessee and the Alzheimer’s TN 500 campaign, community members can visit their official website.
FAQs
What are the “Pit Stop Celebrations”?
The “Pit Stop Celebrations” are free community events held by Alzheimer’s Tennessee to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and provide resources to affected families.
Where and when will the events take place?
The events will be held on Friday at Walmart on Brown’s Mill Road in Johnson City from noon to 2 p.m. and at Walmart on Century Blvd. in Bristol from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What activities can attendees expect at the celebrations?
Attendees can look forward to food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, and the distribution of resources regarding Alzheimer’s disease.
Why are Silver Alerts important?
Silver Alerts provide critical information to law enforcement when individuals with memory loss go missing, helping ensure their safe return.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500 Statewide Race to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory |
| Event Type | Pit Stop Celebrations |
| Locations | Walmart, Johnson City and Bristol |
| Event Timing | Johnson City: Noon – 2 PM; Bristol: 2 PM – 4 PM |
| Activities Offered | Food trucks, family fun, entertainment, resource distribution |
| Alzheimer’s Impact in Tennessee | Over 120,000 Tennesseans affected |
| Women Aging Stats | 6 out of 10 with dementia tend to wander |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns the Loss of Three Cherished Residents
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Alzheimer’s Tennessee 500
- Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s Disease
- WJHL: Legislation for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
- Google Search: Silver Alert
- The Washington Post: Animatronic Pets for Loneliness
- Google Scholar: Dementia Wandering
- MedCity News: AbbVie Alzheimer’s Acquisition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alzheimer’s Disease Care
- Fox 17: Silver Alert for Missing Person
- Google News: Alzheimer’s Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
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