Three Public Hearings Set for June as Plan Moves Forward
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Residents have until April 15 to provide input on Pennsylvania's new State Plan on Aging.
Approximately 2,500 residents attended a series of meetings to help the Department of Aging prioritize the needs and desires of older citizens in areas such as housing, transportation, wellness and fitness programs, legal assistance, and long-term living options. Input will be included in the new State Plan on Aging for 2008-2012.
Residents can share their input in one of the following ways:
-- Submit written comments to the Department of Aging, c/o the Division of Systems Planning and Consultation, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
-- Visit http://www.aging.state.pa.us, choose the link to the 2008-2012 State Plan on Aging and then select the link to the On-Line Survey.
-- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (http://www.aging.state.pa.us/aging/cwp/view.asp?a=552&q=177124).
"The large turn-out for the eight town hall meetings shows the eagerness of our older residents to make their needs known," said Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower. "Their comments will help us develop the new plan, which will direct how their quality of life is improved."
State and federal law requires the department to update the State Plan on Aging every four years. The plan will cover a range of topics, including ways for seniors to stay active and healthy and help prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment.
Following three public hearings in June, the final plan will be submitted to Governor Edward G. Rendell for his signature before it's submitted to the Administration on Aging on Aug. 1. The new plan will take effect Oct. 1.
The public hearings will be held:
-- June 3, Community College of Allegheny County South Campus - Auditorium in Building B, 1750 Clairton Road, West Mifflin;
-- June 4, The Oaks at Pleasant Gap, Community Room, 200 Rachel Drive, Pleasant Gap; and
-- June 6, New Courtland Germantown Home Education Building Auditorium, 6950 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia.
CONTACT: Jane Crawford
(717) 783-1549
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging
