We were lucky to catch up with Joe Baldelomar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joe, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My dad and mom, always taught us (I am including my three brothers) to be kind, to take the time to listen. to think before we responded and to see every single person as we wanted to be seeing; to be respectful and honest. I am so grateful, because my parents gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures and spiritual beliefs. Growing up I got to see some of the worst qualities in humanity, as well as the best we can be, by helping others that are in desperate need. It’s an understatement to say my parents unconditionally supported me; the way my parents have influence my life and character have no words to help me describe it. All I can say is that I am very grateful to my parents because of the education, love, care, understanding and life lessons they have provided me to be a better human every day!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Behavioral Psychologist and a Dementia Care Practitioner, and I work for the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida as a Program Manager. The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals who recognized the need for an organization that would unite caregivers, provide support to those facing Alzheimer’s and advance research into the disease. Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. We are the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

As a program manager I have the magnificent opportunity to be part of a unique program: The Brain Bus which is a statewide outreach initiative that raises awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementias. It addresses the benefits of early detection, early diagnosis, brain health, and risk reduction. With two mobile units, the Brain Bus travels throughout Florida with a focus on underserved communities; this is what sets us apart from others.

By traveling throughout the state I have learned more about the needs of our communities, thus providing me the opportunity to better understand how to provide services, awareness and education, as well as support to all caregivers and their families. I always make sure to let people know that they are not alone in this fight and I do hope that in my lifetime we are able to find a cure.

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How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building trust in the community is a most in order to build an excellent reputation. I make sure each person I speak to, have my undivided attention not only because it shows respect and but also allows me to really evaluate what the other person is talking about, I want the person to also knows that I am there to help, to provide information, resources and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and all other related dementias.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Indeed there are several books that have impacted my thinking and life philosophy. One book that I read and I am proud to say was writing by my little brother CJ Baldelomar is: Excluding at Will for Small Stuff: Disparate Application of Exclusionary Disciplinary Policies in Massachusetts Charter Schools; this small book shows that charter schools’ exclusionary disciplinary practices disproportionately affect Black and Latino students (especially males). The book proposes effective strategies and alternatives to the charter schools’ exclusionary policies. Another book that I continuedly read is Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre, one of my favorite philosophers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alz.org/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jbaldelomar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/actionalz

Image Credits
Pictures are all of my property. The last picture is my father and I. My father is currently battling Alzheimer’s disease.