Working together to link individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia to a community of learning, services and support as early as possible in the disease process.

About First Link®

First Link® is an early intervention service designed to connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease or another dementia with services and support as soon as possible after diagnosis. Formal referral from physicians and health professionals allows for proactive contact with individuals and families.

  • First Link® gets you connected early for support throughout your journey.
  • The more you know about Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, the better you may be able to cope with your situation.
  • You will be linked to community supports and services.

How does First Link® work?

  • For those newly diagnosed, someone from the Alzheimer Society will call in approximately 3 to 4 weeks to allow time to adjust to the diagnosis; others are contacted as soon as possible.
  • Individuals/families receive an information package, connection to Alzheimer Society education programs and support groups, and referrals to other community and health care services.
  • Follow up contact every 3 to 6 months ensures families receive information about the disease, planning for the future, tips for day-to-day living, and services when needed.
  • A bi-monthly First Link® bulletin keeps everyone informed about upcoming education and support programs.
See First Link Bulletin for a copy of your local bulletin.

Making a First Link® Referral

If you are a health care professional, please see the Making a Referral information sheet and then choose the referral form that corresponds to your area from the following list:

North Fraser First Link® Referral Form
Greater Victoria First Link® Referral Form
North and Central Okanagan First Link® Referral Form
North and Central Vancouver Island First Link® Referral Form
Northern Interior and Skeena First Link® Referral Form
Richmond/South Delta First Link® Referral Form


If you are a person with dementia, or you are caring for someone with dementia, contact your local First Link® office (see below)

First Link® Locations

First Link is currently available in the following communities:

North Fraser
(Serving: Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody)
First Link® Coordinator
Phone: 604-298-0711
E-mail: firstlink@alzheimerbc.org
103-5623 Imperial Street
Burnaby, B.C. V5J 1G1

Greater Victoria
(Serving: Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Metchosin, North Saanich, Sidney, Sooke, Southern Gulf Islands, Victoria)
Emily Pridham, First Link Coordinator
Phone: 250-382-2033
E-mail: epridham@alzheimerbc.org
202-306 Burnside Road West
Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1M1

North and Central Okanagan
(Serving: Armstrong, Enderby, Kelowna, Lake Country, Lumby, Oyama, Peachland, Revelstoke, Rutland, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Sorrento, Vernon, West Kelowna)
Lila Sofonoff, First Link Coordinator
Phone: 250-860-0750 or toll-free 1-888-760-0750
E-mail: lsofonoff@alzheimerbc.org
865 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6P6

North and Central Vancouver Island
(Serving: Campbell River, Cobble Hill, Comox, Courtenay, Cowichan, Duncan, Gold River, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Nanaimo, Northern Gulf Islands, Parksville, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Qualicum, Shawnigan Lake, Tofino, Ucluelet)
Tina Biello, First Link Coordinator
Phone: 250-734-4171 or toll-free 1-888-734-4171
E-mail: tbiello@alzheimerbc.org
200-1585 Bowen Road
Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 1G4

Northern Interior and Skeena
(Serving: Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Hazelton, Kitimat, McBride, MacKenzie, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Smithers, Telegraph Creek, Terrace, Valemont, Vanderhoof)
Laurie De Croos, First Link Coordinator
Phone: 250-645-2200 or toll-free 1-888-645-2288
E-mail: ldecroos@alzheimerbc.org
202 - 575 Quebec Street
Prince George, B.C. V2L 1W6

Richmond/South Delta
(Serving: Richmond, South Delta, Ladner)
Laura Feldman, First Link Coordinator
Phone: 604-238-7393
E-mail:lfeldman@alzheimerbc.org
305-6411 Buswell Street
Richmond, B.C. V6Y 2G5