10/09/2026
Angel J. Montes, DHCA, is changing the way brain health and dementia information reaches the people in his community who need it most. Not by creating new programs, but by integrating awareness into the public health systems his community already knows and trusts.
Through the Alzheimer's Association's Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map Strategist Program, Dr. Montes and his team at the City of Laredo (TX) Health Department have embedded brain health into the fabric of everyday life, making it a priority for their community. They have added brain health messaging to city utility bills, built dementia education into Food Handler License training, and introduced dementia response training for new Laredo Police Department officers
“Even a single point of awareness can help someone feel more prepared, more supported and less alone,” he shared. “Meaningful public health work often requires patience, consistency and a willingness to keep an idea moving forward.”
💜 During Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, we're proud to recognize leaders like Dr. Montes, whose work is building a healthier and more dementia-capable community. To learn more about the Association's public health work, visit alz.org/publichealth.
