August 2024 Newsletter

GCOA's Senior Issues Newsletter

Senior Issues Newsletter August 2024

Cover Story

Legislator of the Year, Representative Penny Houston

Rep. Penny Houston - CO-AGE Meeting July 2024.jpg

In this Issue:

GCOA Legislator of the Year

July CO-AGE Meeting

Share Your Stories

DHS Updates

GCOA in the Community

National Immunization Awareness Month

Save the Dates

News You Can Use

On July 18, 2024, Representative Penny Houston was honored as the Legislator of the Year during our annual CO-AGE meeting at the Methodist Children’s Home in Macon, Georgia. This annual recognition was bestowed upon Rep. Houston for her outstanding commitment to Georgia’s seniors and being a champion for CO-AGE issues throughout her career as a legislator. During the meeting, Rep. Houston was introduced and presented with a plaque by GCOA council member Ruth Lee.

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 Legislator of the Year award from the Georgia Council on Aging,” said Rep. Houston. “This recognition is not just a reflection of my achievements but a testament to the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals across our state. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to CO-AGE for their unwavering support and dedication to this vital cause, which far exceeds my own contributions.” Read the full press release HERE.

July CO-AGE Meeting

CO-AGE

Thank you to all who joined us in Macon for the July 2024 CO-AGE meeting! We can't do what we do without you. Remember, you play a role in our collective advocacy! Highlights included recognition of the 2024 Legislator of the Year: Representative Penny Houston; an update on the Georgia Division of Aging Services by Assistant Deputy Commissioner (former GCOA Deputy Director) MaryLea Boatwright Quinn; presentations of the 2025 CO-AGE issues; a Q&A with the issue presenters; recognition of the 2024 Distinguished Older Georgian, Mildred Schmeltz; and lots of networking! The meeting and legislative priority rankings will be available for viewing soon.

Anyone interested in advocating with or on behalf of older adults can join CO-AGE. Individual Membership is only $10! Paid members have the distinctive ability to submit and vote on the issues that GCOA and CO-AGE take to the Capitol and they receive reduced rates for CO-AGE events. Join HERE!

If you are already a member, make sure that your list of CO-AGE organizational members is up-to-date. To report changes or updates to your membership, please contact patrice.parker1@gcoa.ga.gov.

Share Your Personal Stories

Budget funding and legislation are greatly influenced by the personal experiences of older Georgians. Legislators want to hear about how you are affected by the budget and current laws of the state. GCOA can't succeed without YOU!!

Click HERE to see a effective example of a personal story.

Stories

GA Department of Human Services Updates

The Georgia Department of Human Services received federal approval to replace electronically stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for recipients who are victims of fraud.

SNAP and Senior SNAP recipients who are victims of fraud should request a new EBT card and PIN. To request replacement benefits, SNAP and Senior SNAP recipients must complete and return the Request for Replacement of Stolen Benefits. The recipient should submit their signed affidavit on the DHS website, drop it off at their local DHS/DFCS office, or mail it to their local office.

More information HERE.

DHS/DAS

GCOA in the Community

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner, Kevin Tanner, appointed GCOA Executive Director, Debra Stokes, to serve as Chair of the Aging Adults Workgroup for the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission (BHRIC). The BHRIC was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the behavioral health system of care in Georgia. The workgroup will work to determine behavioral health needs of aging adults in Georgia. Read more about the BHRIC HERE.

Senior Fair - Church of the Apostles - 8.1.2024.jpg

GCOA staff was invited by the Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center to attend the "Made Whole" Senior Resource Fair on August 1, 2024. The event took place in Atlanta, Georgia at the Church of the Apostles and was sponsored by the Church along with the Atlanta Senior Care Network Niche. Over 50 vendor tables were featured to provide information on caring for the increasing needs of the aging population and services available. GCOA staff were able to network with organizations while receiving valuable information and spreading knowledge surrounding the good work of GCOA and CO-AGE! Pictured above from left to right are GCOA Deputy Director, Ashley Burton; GCOA Intern, Nicola Brown; Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center Director, Shirley Coleman; GCOA Executive Director, Debra Stokes; and GCOA Communications Specialist, Patrice Parker.

GCOA in the Com

Holidays/Observances

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIAM is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. This day of observation is used to help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage people to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations. Read more about it HERE.