CAHNRS News > Newsletters > 2026 Confluence – Fall Edition > WSU Mason County 4-H brings dementia awareness to national stage

WSU Mason County 4-H brings dementia awareness to national stage

A new youth-led 4-H program in Mason County is supporting individuals living with dementia while drawing national recognition.

The Washington State University Extension 4-H Tech Changemakers program was selected to showcase its dementia-support work at the national Ignite by 4-H conference in Washington, D.C., in March. Thousands of youth attended the conference.

“Mason County 4-H youth presented to full rooms at each session,” said Dan Teuteberg, Mason County Extension director and faculty who accompanied the teens. “They returned home exhausted but full of great ideas and happy they’d made meaningful connections with people across the U.S.”

Multiple people sitting around round tables in a conference room listening to a presenter. — Washington State University Extension Mason County 4-H presented the Dementia Friends training to full rooms at the Ignite by 4-H conference in Washington, D.C. Dementia affects nearly 400,000 people in Washington state. Photo: J. Teuteberg.

Nearly 400,000 people in Washington live with dementia or are family caregivers providing essential support, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Dementia Friends curriculum rolled out in 2022 in Washington state and is part of a “train the trainer” model and Dementia Friendly America, a larger national movement.

The program aims to improve understanding of dementia and reduce the stigma surrounding the condition. Those who successfully complete the training are given the title “Dementia Friends Champion.”

Since becoming Dementia Friends Champions in 2025, the 4-H youth have hosted a handful of workshops across Mason County. Held in senior and community centers, libraries, and at the WSU Extension office, the workshops have drawn a diverse crowd of family caregivers, older people, county commissioners, and the WSU Board of Regents president, all of whom are motivated to learn how they can better support others.

“The 4-H youth initially chose to address the intergenerational disconnect in our community, which led to this project,” said Teuteberg. “They started by learning about the role of dementia in family systems and structures, how that impacts community members, and what we can do about it.”

Through the WSU Harry Burkalow 4-H Endowment, the youth were able to purchase 4-H branded polos for their presentations, Ignite by 4-H conference registration fees, and Mason County 4-H pins used in the pin exchange activity during the conference.

“A lot of people are dealing with dementia within their family, so it’s valuable to have a space where people can talk and get reassurance,” Teuteberg said. “There’s safety in that. Participants also receive resources and education on reducing the risk of dementia.”

Youth and adults hold certificates reading “I am a Dementia Friend” after completing the Dementia Friends training at the Ignite by 4-H conference.

Upon completing the 4-H-led training, participants earn a certificate and leave with greater confidence in supporting individuals affected by dementia.

“Oftentimes, people say that 4-H youth are our future leaders,” said Dan Teuteberg. “But they’re leading us forward right now, creating positive change locally and nationally.”