Brain Health Block Party on Seattle’s First Hill
Neighboring organizations come together in honor of Brain Health Awareness Month
From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday June 26, head to Seattle’s First Hill for the fourth annual Brain Health Block Party! This special event promoting brain health features outdoor “brain-healthy” activity stations and snacks spread throughout the neighborhood. As you walk from site to site, solve a puzzle, make your own trail mix, play games, create art, and more!
Initiated by the Memory Hub, a community center operated by UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, the fun neighborhood event celebrates easy steps we can take to promote brain health – like staying active, reducing stress, challenging our minds, connecting with others, and eating a healthy diet. It’s also a unique way to build awareness about memory loss and dementia.
“The 4th Annual Brain Health Block Party will be here before you know it!” states Katie Zeitler, program manager for the Dementia Friends public awareness program and project lead for the Memory Cafe Expansion Project at the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center. “Brain health is essential at any age, and there are many simple steps and fun actions you can take in everyday life to support a healthy brain, like learning new things, eating well, and getting a good night’s sleep. We are looking forward to celebrating brain health with our First Hill community and hope to see you there!”
13 organizations are partnering to produce this year’s event, offering activities at the following locations:
- The Memory Hub (1021 Columbia St)
- Freeway Park Association (900 University St)
- Frye Art Museum (704 Terry Ave)
- Horizon House (900 University St)
- Kline Galland Mary Schwartz Summit (1200 University St)
- Murano Senior Living (620 Terry Ave)
- Museum House (707 Terry Ave)
- Skyline Retirement Community (715 Ninth Ave)
- St. James Cathedral (804 Ninth Ave)
- Swedish First Hill (747 Broadway Ave)
- Tate Mason House (1100 Minor Ave)
- Union Grand (1421 Minor Ave)
- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (1201 Terry Ave)
Each of the participating organizations has a commitment to supporting older adults and the community at large.
“This is an opportunity to raise awareness and share valuable resources that help support healthy conversations around mental wellness, healthy aging, and overall brain health in a fun, creative, and accessible way,” states William Polk, Resident Services Coordinator at Bellwether Housing. “We’re proud to partner with other organizations and First Hill community members who are committed to helping people live healthier, more connected lives with valuable resources at their disposal.”
Viriginia Mason Franciscan Health has participated each year since the event launched in 2023. “We are thrilled to return this year to the Brain Health Block Party and collaborate with our First Hill neighbors and friends to encourage healthy habits and brain wellness,” states Karina Barfield, a nurse in Neurology. “We are eager for this upcoming event and the opportunity to engage in enjoyable activities that strengthen our bonds with every individual we meet!"
Several partners are joining for the first time this year, including the Freeway Park Association. Carrie Barnes, program coordinator, notes what drew them to the event: “Spending time outside, exploring one’s creativity and participating in community are all key contributors to lasting brain health and are core our mission. We are delighted to share an art activity, meet new neighbors and build community connections while participating in this year’s Brain Health Block Party.”
Visiting all 13 stations is about 2 miles. The event is free, family-friendly and all ages – with a special invitation to adults age 50+.
Pick up an event map at any participating location on the day of, or download it in advance here from our webpage. Collect stamps at each station, and visit at least 3 stations for a chance to win a raffle prize.
