News Print Coverage
Senior Advocacy Summit set Nov. 4
The Chelsea Standard/The Dexter Leader
October 27, 2005
In a recent poll conducted by the Blueprint for Aging, nearly half of the more than 450 older adult respondents indicated that educating government leaders about the needs and preferences of senior citizens is an important priority.
In response, the Blueprint for Aging, a coalition of community members and representatives from more than 40 public, private and nonprofit organizations, is hosting a Senior Advocacy Summit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 4 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital’s Senior Health Building. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Guest speakers will include congressman John Dingell and Joe Schwarz.
The gathering will include formal addresses, as well as informal discussion over a complimentary light lunch.
Registration is free, and those interested are asked to call Scott Layher, advocacy coordinator, at 712-3625.
“The Blueprint for Aging has spoken to hundreds and hundreds of people in this county via focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and town hall meetings,” Layher said in a press release.
“We hear over and over again from older adults that they have concerns about everything from affording prescription drugs to finding help in order to stay in their homes. They don’t always feel decision-makers hear these concerns.”
Layher said the Senior Advocacy Summit is an opportunity to ensure that the voices of senior citizens in Washtenaw County are heard and to open up dialogue between seniors and those elected to represent them.
The Blueprint for Aging is working to help Washtenaw County in becoming more responsive to its older residents by engaging the county in a strategic planning process that will carry the county through the next several years.
The Blueprint’s vision for Washtenaw County is a community with people invested in the care of older adults and engaged and outspoken in supporting their health, wellness and independence, Layher said.
© 2005 The Chelsea Standard/The Dexter Leader
Reprinted with permission from The Chelsea Standard/The Dexter Leader |
