Kimberly Research and Extension Center to Host Dementia Friends Information Session on April 30 in Idaho
Free Community Education Event Scheduled at University of Idaho Facility in Kimberly
The Kimberly Research and Extension Center in Kimberly, Idaho will host a Dementia Friends Information Session on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event is open to community members across the Magic Valley region and is being held at the center’s facility located at 3806 E 3600 N, Kimberly, Idaho 83341.
Dementia Friends is a program designed to help everyday people better understand dementia, recognize its symptoms, and learn practical ways to support those living with the condition. Sessions like the one scheduled in Kimberly are intended to build awareness and compassion within communities, equipping neighbors, coworkers, and family members with tools to assist those affected by cognitive decline.
The event represents another example of the Kimberly Research and Extension Center’s broader mission of providing education and outreach services to communities throughout the Magic Valley and surrounding areas. While the center is best known for its agricultural research programs, its extension function connects University of Idaho expertise to residents across eight counties in southern Idaho on a wide range of topics — including health and family wellness.
About the Kimberly Research and Extension Center
Established in 1950, the Kimberly Research and Extension Center is a University of Idaho facility that encompasses 194 acres of irrigated land, four greenhouses, laboratories, a seed processing and storage facility, and a potato storage research complex. The center shares resources with the USDA-ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soil Research Laboratory, located across the road from the main campus.
The center’s primary research focus includes potatoes, sugar beets, small grains, irrigation, water quality, and forages. Research teams investigate disease management techniques, potato storage practices, plant-insect interactions, biological control, and weed management practices. The center also conducts several field days annually to share findings directly with agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals throughout the region.
The Magic Valley’s agricultural economy, which the Kimberly center has supported for more than 75 years, represents a significant driver of employment and commerce across southern Idaho. According to figures cited by the center, nearly half of all jobs in the Magic Valley are directly or indirectly tied to agribusiness. In 2024, Idaho’s farm cash receipts reached a record $11.3 billion, underscoring the economic importance of research and extension services that help producers remain competitive and efficient.
The University of Idaho’s extension model — delivering research-based knowledge directly to communities — serves not only farmers and ranchers but also county educators, master gardeners, crop advisors, and the general public. Community health education events like the upcoming Dementia Friends session reflect that broader outreach mission.
Community Members Encouraged to Attend
Twin Falls County residents, caregivers, healthcare workers, and anyone with an interest in better understanding dementia are encouraged to attend the April 30 session. The one-and-a-half-hour format is designed to be accessible and informative for participants with no prior background in medical or cognitive health topics.
Community education efforts like these align with the values of self-reliance and family support that define Magic Valley culture. Understanding how to care for aging family members and neighbors is a practical concern for many Idaho households, and events offered locally reduce the burden on families who might otherwise travel long distances for similar programming.
For more information about the Dementia Friends session or the Kimberly Research and Extension Center, the public can contact the center directly at 208-423-4691.
For those interested in other local education and community initiatives, Twin Falls County News recently covered the 15 Minutes program, which has been sending a powerful message to Twin Falls students, and recognized Twin Falls High School’s Valerie Black as Scholar of the Week.
What Comes Next
The Dementia Friends Information Session is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center, 3806 E 3600 N, Kimberly, Idaho 83341. Community members interested in attending or seeking additional details are encouraged to call the center at 208-423-4691 ahead of the event. No registration information was immediately available; prospective attendees should contact the center to confirm participation requirements and seating availability.