More awareness is being created around dementia with the help of funding from the federal government.

$716,000 has been given to the province as part of the Partnering for Dementia Friendly Communities Program.

Avalon MP Ken McDonald made the announcement in Placentia Thursday morning.

McDonald says the funding will go towards media campaigns to raise awareness about the disease.

He says like Placentia, seven other communities across the province will be developing Dementia Inclusive Community Action Plans. Those communities are: Clarenville; Corner Brook; Mary’s Habour; Roddickton-Bide Arm; Springdale; Stephenville; and Twillingate.