Alzheimer's Advocate, Educator, Activist Honored with Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award

TUSTIN, CA, October 17, 2012 (Press-News.org) Patty Mouton, vice president of outreach and advocacy for the Orange County chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, is being honored this October with Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award for her steadfast dedication to advocacy and education for those affected by dementia.

Fairhaven, an Orange County mortuary and memorial park with locations in Santa Ana and Mission Viejo, announced the recognition program in early 2012 to pay tribute to local people who have had an indelible impact on both their community and the individuals they serve.

"Patty takes a very active approach to helping a large population of individuals that are often overlooked," said Marla Noel, President of Fairhaven. "She has made huge strides with legislation and education programs on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association, and the effects of her work can be seen in the improved care and resources for those with dementia throughout Orange County."

After nearly two decades working in pharmaceuticals sales, Mouton began volunteering in hospice care. Upon recognizing the minimal support available to those with dementia, she became a fierce advocate for education about the affliction and for providing avenues of support to those suffering from it, eventually securing a position with the Alzheimer's Association in 2005 as the director of education and public policy.

In her current role as vice president of outreach and advocacy, Mouton oversees education programs for healthcare professionals and provides a variety of community education programs. Mouton also coordinates the Orange County Chapter's legislative advocacy and public policy forming activities, leading groups of volunteer advocates to both Sacramento and Washington, DC to meet with elected officials about issues impacting older adults and families coping with dementia.

The Alzheimer's Association's advocacy efforts have been integral in passing the National Alzheimer's Project Bill, preserving funding for the California adult day health care system, securing state funding for the In Home Support Services program, and the Compassionate Allowance program, among other significant legislation.

"It's always invigorating to go to Washington and work on important legislative issues," said Mouton. "But the most rewarding part of my job is when someone comes up to me after a class and tells me something I've taught them has made a difference in the lives of their patients. That makes everything we do worthwhile."

Mouton will be honored at Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Awards banquet on November 1 at Fairhaven's Mission Viejo location. The banquet honors a year's worth of achievements among the local community. Additionally, Fairhaven will make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, earmarked for the organization's advocacy scholarship fund, on behalf Mouton.

About Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award

Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award pays tribute to Orange County individuals whose kindness and dedication to serving others is inspirational. These courageous individuals go above and beyond their job descriptions to serve with the utmost care and compassion. Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Award winners come from many fields including private care, hospice, social work, counseling, assisted living, nursing, therapy and volunteer work.

For more information and to nominate a deserving candidate, visit Fairhaven's website: http://www.fairhavenmemorial.com/community/oliver-halsell-care-award or email CareAwards@FairhavenMemorial.com.

About Fairhaven

Founded in 1911 by Oliver Halsell to provide a peaceful and comforting place for families to honor their loved ones, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary is Orange County's most beautiful independently owned and operated full-service mortuary, crematory and cemetery. With the memorial park and mortuary in Central Orange County and an elegantly appointed mortuary in South Orange County, Fairhaven offers a wide range of pre-need and at-need services provided with care and compassion. Fairhaven is dedicated to celebrating the individual, providing services that are as unique and wide-ranging as the people they celebrate. Additional information is available at http://www.fairhavenmemorial.com.