MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu
FAU Hosts Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center Dedication Ceremony
BOCA RATON, FL (February 10, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing hosted a building dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center today on FAU's Boca Raton campus.
"This Center will greatly impact the quality of life for those that make use of its services," said FAU President Frank T. Brogan. "We're very thankful for what the Green's have provided to FAU as we strive to become a leader in healthcare initiatives."
FAU's College of Nursing received a $1.5 million gift from the Greens to create this 15,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. The Green's gift received matching funds from the State of Florida, increasing the total value of the gift to $3 million.
"By partnering with Florida Atlantic University, our gift will also fund breakthrough research projects in an area that is often overlooked," said Louis Green. "The need for such a facility is profound."
The Memory and Wellness Center houses clinic and treatment areas for its memory and wellness programs, FAU's dementia research program and the College of Nursing's teaching and outreach programs related to Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairment issues. The Center is made up of two buildings connected by a breezeway. The north building houses two separate day centers. One day center cares for persons with mild memory problems and the other serves those with moderate memory problems. The day centers share an art room, game room, and exercise room. Each has its own covered porch and garden. Other features of the building include examination suites, an exercise room, nursing area, clinical lab and pharmacy research space. In addition, there is a resource library for caregivers and a conference room for meetings with families and volunteers.
The Center provides its clients with a comprehensive array of services. Specialists conduct multidisciplinary memory evaluations, offer interventions strategies, counsel individuals and families, provide visits to the homebound, conduct referrals to physicians and residential care facilities, and facilitate family education and caregiver support groups. Cost for services are based on a sliding scale.
"The Greens have given a gift which will return to the community one hundred fold," said Dr. Anne Boykin, dean of FAU's College of Nursing. "The Memory and Wellness Center provides a special site for the integration of teaching, research, practice and service which is grounded in the values of caring and respect for person."
An additional construction project calls for the expansion of the current Center with the creation of a $14 million residential facility that will accommodate 90 assisted-living patients, 30 nursing areas, a clinical area, a physical therapy gym, and research and administration offices.
To find out more information on the programs offered through the Memory and Wellness Center, call 561-297-0502 or visit www.fau.edu/memorywellnesscenter/index.html.
- FAU -
FAU's College of Nursing views nursing as a discipline of knowledge and a field of professional practice grounded in caring. The College of Nursing is committed to the pursuit of higher education grounded in the arts, sciences and humanities. Faculty of the College support FAU's mission of education, scholarship and service. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
