In your lifetime, you will likely either be a family caregiver or need a caregiver.
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Idaho Caregiver Alliance (ICA) serves as the voice, lead collaborator, and catalyst for support of unpaid family caregivers across the lifespan. Our cornerstone initiative is the Family Caregiver Navigator program which delivers free, person-centered support to caregivers across Idaho.
Housed in the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State, the ICA has a growing statewide membership of over 1000 caregivers, organizations, and agencies. It is led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty, students, and community partners with funding from donations and project-based contracts. Learn more about the good work of the Idaho Caregiver’s Alliance below.
Your support is needed to help ICA continue to support Idaho family caregivers.
In honor of ICA's 10th Anniversary and National Caregiver Month, every dollar donated during November will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000!
Join me, with a gift today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Idaho Caregiver Alliance (ICA).
Sincerely,
Sarah Toevs, Professor Emeritus
School of Public and Population Health
Critical Findings about Idaho Caregivers
Idaho is home to over 300,000 family caregivers who provide critical care to loved ones with emotional, physical, or chronic health conditions. These caregivers often face significant challenges, such as financial and emotional stress, and operate without adequate support. Caregivers in Idaho provide over 171 million hours of uncompensated care each year at an estimated value of $2.3 billion of donated time to Idaho’s economy.
A 2024 survey of Boise State students revealed that 26.1% of respondents identified as parents or caregivers and nearly two-thirds expressed concerns about their academic success and need for additional resources.
Communication. Collaboration. Inclusivity. Engagement.
ICA provides valuable experience for talented students to accomplish its work. Here are a few examples of the accomplishments of three amazing Boise State students.
Tracey Hinkley, a MSW student joined the ICA team during her social work internship. She engaged with family caregivers and expanded the social media presence of ICA and FCN through the production of several videos. A highlight of her work was the production of the Empowering Hispanic Family Caregivers video in partnership with Las Senoras, Inc.
Adrián Rodríguez, a MPH student, is a FCN Health Educator. Rodríguez leads efforts to engage with members of the Spanish-speaking community through the ICA Hispanic Advisory Group and participation in initiatives sponsored by the Idaho Hispanic Commission, Las Senoras, Inc., PODER of Idaho, and others. He has been a driving force behind the ICA Family Caregiver Conference for members of the Spanish-speaking community.
Rodríguez, in collaboration with SPPH faculty Drs. Neher and Toevs, published “Successes and Barriers Identified by Public Health Professionals Engaging Hispanic Communities” in the Journal of Latinx Psychology. He has presented findings from this work at numerous local and statewide conferences. On a national level, Rodriguez coordinates the ICA "Amplify the Power of Family Caregiver Voices" project funded by Community Catalyst.
Jennifer Nguyen, MPH student and ICA Graduate Research Assistant, has had the opportunity to research the impact of FCN on caregiver health and well-being and coordinate the statewide ICA Annual Caregiver Conference. The virtual ICA conference is attended by over 300 caregivers and has expanded Jennifer’s professional network and leadership skills.
PS: The next ICA Annual Caregiver Conference is February 22, 2025.
https://idahocaregiveralliance.com/caregiverconference/