Tulsa Post Office Invites Community to Recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness to be Highlighted on New Stamp

WHAT:
In honor of the issuance of the Alzheimer’s Awareness postage stamp, the Downtown Station Post Office™ is hosting a stamp unveiling ceremony. The event is free and open to everyone.

WHO:
The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter, Mayor Kathy Taylor and Tulsa Postmaster Kathy Ervin-Johnson.

WHEN:
Wednesday November 18, 2008 at 10:30 A.M.

WHERE:
Downtown Station Post Office, 333 W. 4th St. Tulsa OK.

BACKGROUND:
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. With the Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp, the U.S. Postal Service® continues its long-standing tradition of raising awareness of social issues. The stamp serves to signal to the impact this disease has made and will continue to make on our society. It also serves as a reminder to everyone to know the warning signs of this disease and to encourage early detection. It is our hope that this stamp will help raise awareness about how devastating this disease is, as well as reminding the public that there still is no cure.

A pane of 20 stamps will be issued nationwide on October 17. Information on the back of the stamp pane informs customers that “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. The disease affects millions of men and women over 60 years of age; each case poses a special challenge to caregivers. No cure exists at present, but scientists around the world are conducting research in hopes of preventing or halting the progression of the disease. The relationship of people with AD and their caregivers remains of vital importance to the well-being and long-term prospects of the patient. For more information on AD and groups that provide education and support for caregivers and family members, go to www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/.”

To see the Alzheimer’s Awareness stamp, go to the Postal Store® at http://shop.usps.com, click Stamps and 42-Cents First-Class. To see other 2008 stamps click Stamps.

All current stamps, philatelic products and gift items are available by calling; toll free, 800-STAMP-24 or 800-782-6724.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center (www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers), the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org).