Meet the 2022 Act on Alzheimer’s Volunteer of the Year: Ms. Colleen Fritsch

An avid public speaker with a heart for volunteerism and those impacted by Dementia, Colleen joined Dementia Friends MN in 2016. 

She plays a key role in Dementia Friends MN, serving as a Champion, a Master Trainer, a Lead Trainer, and the Dementia Friends Volunteer Coordinator. She assists the MN Northstar Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) with information sessions and Champion trainings.  Additionally, she helps train Champions nationwide through a training video produced by Dementia Friends USA that features her leading a Dementia Friends information session.

Colleen’s expertise draws her into Dementia Friendly for Healthcare efforts, where she trains dental professionals and clinics statewide. In September 2022, she led an online Dementia Friendly for Healthcare Basic Dental Training for a group of dental professionals in Qatar. Colleen’s influence spans local, state, national, and even international communities. 

Colleen has touched countless lives through her involvement with Act on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Friendly work. For her tremendous generosity of time and care in equipping communities to support people living with Dementia, Colleen is named the 2022 Act on Alzheimer’s Volunteer of the Year. This special award was bestowed on her at the 2022 Dementia Friendly Community Summit.