Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s dementia friendly initiative began in 2021 and has continued to focus on making everyday life easier for those affected by dementia and is now part of Dementia Friendly America.
According to a press release on the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s website, changes at Sky Harbor include things like the Compassion Cacti™ Lanyard Program. The special lanyard, worn around the neck, identifies a traveler as a person who experiences dementia, making it easier for airport staff to recognize them and offer assistance. In addition, this lanyard gives travelers access to areas with minimal distractions, which is something that can help avoid the agitation and confusion that can present itself when a person experiencing dementia is away from home.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Guest and Employee Experience Superintendent Misty Cisneros-Contreras was recently given the Trailblazer Award at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s Shine a Light on All Dementias community event at the Arizona State Capitol.
