Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Partners With HKA To Provide Public Relations Services

TUSTIN, CA, May 31, 2013 (Press-News.org) HKA, Inc. Marketing Communications, a distinguished public relations and marketing agency providing executive-level strategic expertise and results-oriented communications services, has been retained by the Alzheimer's Association, Orange County to provide public relations services. With nearly 30 years of continuous service in Orange County and deep nonprofit communications experience, HKA has embarked on a multifaceted communications program to bolster awareness of services and support, education and research for Alzheimer's disease throughout the county.

"The Alzheimer's Association has become a tremendous resource in our community, building awareness and serving individuals with Alzheimer's and their families as they cope with the effects of this devastating disease. Today, the organization's work is more important than ever as the incidence of Alzheimer's is rising while the population lives longer," said HKA Founder and President Hilary Kaye. "Our goal is to deliver an impactful communications program that educates and mobilizes Orange County residents to join the Alzheimer's Association in its quest to serve families battling this disease and engage in fundraising to eliminate Alzheimer's."

HKA's integrated communications program will focus on increasing county-wide awareness of services and programs, such as the 24-hour helpline, as well as events including regional Walks to End Alzheimer's. The agency also will leverage the Alzheimer's Association's breadth of informational resources and expertise to educate individuals with Alzheimer's along with their families and caregivers on new research, the importance of early diagnosis and emerging treatments.

"All of us at Alzheimer's Association, Orange County are pleased to expand our communications program by hiring two professional organizations to work closely with our in-house marketing team," said the chapter's Chief Executive Officer Jim McAleer. "HKA is a long-time, well-respected player in the Orange County public relations arena and we are looking forward to leveraging the firm's media know-how and strong community and corporate connections as we work together in the coming year."

HKA will be joined on the marketing and communications team by Costa Mesa-based Idea Hall, which will oversee advertising, marketing and fundraising outreach.

About HKA, Inc. Marketing Communications
HKA, Inc., an award-winning public relations agency based in Tustin, Calif., has garnered a reputation for excellence from clients, vendor partners and the media, and has achieved a significant track record since 1984. Founded by former journalist Hilary Kaye, HKA instills professionalism and integrity into every campaign, project and client relationship, successfully enabling agency partners to leverage marketing and communications strategies to support critical business objectives. HKA clients enjoy the experience and collaborative resources of a larger PR agency, coupled with the customization and superb attention of smaller firms. HKA's "best of both worlds" approach is used by publicly held, private and nonprofit organizations in a wide variety of industries. For more information: visit http://www.hkamarcom.com or call (714) 426-0444. Follow us at: @HKA_PR, http://www.facebook.com/HKApr and http://www.hkamarcom.com/blog/.

About Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization focused on the care, support and research of Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia that causes memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Since 1982, Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter has been providing programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer's and related disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Individuals with questions and concerns about memory loss are encouraged to call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit http://www.alz.org.


Alzheimer's Facts (source: Alzheimer's Association)
• 5.2 million Americans live with Alzheimer's
• By 2050, that number could triple
• Every 68 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's
• This year, Alzheimer's will cost the U.S. $203 billion
• By 2050, that amount is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion
• In California, Alzheimer's is the 5th leading cause of death
• In Orange County, Alzheimer's is the 4th leading cause of death
• In Orange County, 83,000 residents have Alzheimer's, or related dementia, or are at immediate risk