The Jungnang-gu Dementia Care Center's "Happy Brain" group wins the top prize in the group category of the Outstanding Dementia Partner Activity Competition, logging 1,505 volunteer hours over the past two years in cognitive support and awareness campaigns.
Jungnang-gu has won the top prize — the Minister of Health and Welfare Award — in the group category of the "2026 Outstanding Dementia Partner Activity Competition" hosted by the Central Dementia Center.
A "dementia partner" is someone who, drawing on an understanding of dementia, looks out for and assists patients and their families in everyday life. The competition was organized to identify and share exemplary cases of individuals and groups that have led the way in supporting dementia patients and their families.
The Jungnang-gu Dementia Care Center has operated a specialized dementia volunteer group called "Happy Brain" since 2012. The group currently has 62 active members working in the community.
Led by President Hwang Mi-hyeon, Happy Brain logged 1,505 volunteer hours over the past two years. The group took part in a wide range of dementia-related activities — supporting screening events, assisting patients with cognitive exercises and running awareness campaigns — earning high marks as an outstanding case for its sustained, professional commitment to improving community understanding of dementia and supporting patients and their families.
"This award is a testament to the dedication of the Happy Brain volunteers, who have spent years sharing warmth and care with dementia patients and their families," Jungnang-gu District Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said. "We will continue working with the community to build a dementia-friendly environment and expand support for patients and their families."
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