3661 S. Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901
P: 321-951-7118
F: 321-951-7280

A Community-Centered Resource, Health First Leeza's Place Offers Innovative Programs to Those Affected by Memory Disorders

The first in the state, Health First Leeza's Place is a community-centered resource center offering programs that educate, empower, and energize both caregivers and those recently diagnosed with any memory disorder.

After the loss of her grandmother and the diagnosis of her mother, noted television and radio host Leeza Gibbons and her family created The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation to meet the growing needs of those impacted by memory disorders. Health First Leeza's Place will provide an intimate and safe community-based setting where those affected by memory disorders can gather to prepare for the challenging journey ahead.

"From the beginning, my family's fight against Alzheimer's disease has been fueled by my mother's courageous insistence to inform, educate and heal the patient, caregiver and community," said Leeza Gibbons. "I'm so excited that now we can share the outcome of our efforts with the opening of Florida's first Leeza's Place. We've created a stigma-free environment to begin to help those feeling alone, frustrated, and frightened by this thief of memories. There is life after diagnosis."

Each Leeza's Place has been carefully crafted to empower both the caregiver and the recently diagnosed by offering services that nourish self esteem, relieve symptoms, impart knowledge, reduce stress, promote inclusion, and ultimately improve the quality of life while helping those affected to acquire advocacy, coping and care-related skills.

"Health First Leeza's Place addresses a growing need in Brevard County for services and programs to help individuals and families deal with memory loss," says Rosemary Laird, MD, and Medical Director of Health First Aging Institute. "I am proud Health First is partnering with The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation. Newly diagnosed memory disorder patients and their families can come to Health First Leeza's Place for information about the latest treatments, caregiver training, and support."

Programs at Health First Leeza's Place are the direct result of listening to and understanding the needs, values, pressures, and goals of caregivers and their loved ones. Programs have been designed to provide educational and empowering strategies, and unique tools not currently available in other places. Although services may vary from site to site, each Leeza's Place locale will provide programs that offer support on the emotional, educational, and social levels.

WorkScapes Inc. of Florida donated furniture for the center. Health First Leeza's Place is funded in full by the generosity of our community through the Health First Foundation.

Health First Leeza's Place is the manifestation of Leeza's vision for a better standard of care for patients and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. Leeza's Place integrates educational approaches, connective social activities, emotional support, and intergenerational programming.

For more information, contact Joyce Kennedy at jkennedy@leezasplace.org or (321) 951-7118.