Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute Names West Virginia Health Innovator as Director of the Alzheimer's Outreach and Registry Program

Helen Matheny, former CEO of WV Medical Foundation Joins Cutting Edge Public Education Program

MORGANTOWN, W.V., June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI) today announced the appointment of Helen Matheny as director of its Alzheimer's Outreach and Registry Program (AORP). Matheny joins a dynamic team of leaders in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, brought together by BRNI, the West Virginia Medical Foundation; the Alzheimer's Association's West Virginia Chapter; and the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services.  

"We are thrilled for Helen to join the BRNI team as director of this important project," said Shana Phares, Chief Executive Officer, the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. "Together, we will make strides in fighting Alzheimer's and ensure we have the best information possible about the horrific disease."  

The AORP bridges the gap between understanding how to diagnose and treat the patient and how to empower the caregiver. The unique program develops and deploys continuing medical education programs to help keep physicians informed about the latest techniques and treatment, and help providers support care givers through the disease progression.  In addition to these programs, the AORP maintains the West Virginia Alzheimer's Disease Registry, collecting information on Alzheimer's cases from hospitals, physicians and other caregivers to create reports that are used for research and the development of policy to support the growing number of Alzheimer's cases in the state.

"There are more than 44,000 West Virginians suffering from Alzheimer's and more than 88,000 working hard each and every day to care for them," said Matheny, "I am proud to be joining the team at the Alzheimer's Outreach and Registry Program in the fight to eradicate this horrific disease."

Matheny brings more than 20 years of experience in designing and implementing strategic communications programs to the AORP.  Prior to joining the program, Matheny was the Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Medical Foundation, the educational and charitable organization of the West Virginia State Medical Association.  She also served as the Executive Director of the Partnership for a Healthy West Virginia and the West Virginia Center for Electronic Health Best Practices.  In July 2005, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin appointed Matheny to the state's Healthy Lifestyle Coalition.  

"BRNI welcomes the addition of this great leader to the Alzheimer's Outreach and Registry Program," said Lane Bailey, Chairman of the Board, the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. "We are confident that she will prove invaluable in helping to arm health care providers and the brave family members caring for those battling this disease with the information they need to better diagnose, treat, and care for those afflicted."

To learn more about the Alzheimer's Outreach and Registry Program, visit www.wvaorp.com.  

SOURCE Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute