May 2023 Newsletter

GCOA's Senior Issues Newsletter

Senior Issues Newsletter May 2023

Engage Update

Engage with CO-AGE 2023

Engage with CO-AGE 2023 has started off with a bang! After three years of being virtual, this annual event has returned to an in-person format. The purpose of Engage with CO-AGE is to inform the public about what we do and how they can get involved in advocacy while at the same time update CO-AGE members on the work that was done at the Capitol this year to advocate with and on behalf of older Georgians. So far, senior centers, senior communities and Area Agencies on Aging across the state have participated. Sessions will continue into the month of June. A big thank you to the community partners who have signed up to host a session so far!

In this Issue:

Engage with CO-AGE

Call for Issues

CO-AGE Voting

Older Americans Month

DAS Corner

GCOA in the Community

Save the Dates

News You Can Use

If you would like GCOA to host an Engage with CO-AGE session with your group, please contact Patrice Parker at patrice.parker1@gcoa.ga.gov.

View our 2023 Legislative Results Page HERE

Last Call for the Call for Issues

Today is the Deadline

This Friday, May 5th is the final day that we will accept submissions for the 2024 Call for Issues. Issues will be reviewed by the GCOA legislative committee to ensure they meet the criteria: a statewide issue that affects Georgia's seniors that can be addressed at state level.

The issues will be reviewed in June and then presented to CO-AGE members at the annual summer meeting on July 13th in Macon. CO-AGE members will have until July 31st to vote for an issue.

Remember only CO-AGE members with individual or organizational memberships can vote for issues. Don't forget to Join or Renew by June 30, 2023! For more information, please contact patrice.parker1@gcoa.ga.gov.

Join CO-AGE

CO-AGE voting

CO-AGE Voting Depends on Correct Info

Make sure that your list of CO-AGE organizational members is up-to-date. GCOA will be verifying as many names as possible throughout the months of May and June to ensure that your organization doesn't miss out on any votes. To report changes or updates to your membership, please contact patrice.parker1@gcoa.ga.gov.

Older Americans Month

OAA

Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. We are pleased to announce the 2023 theme: "Aging Unbound".

This year's theme offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes by promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. Visit the ACL website to learn more about Older Americans Month and how you can get involved.

DAS Corner

Are you enrolled in Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids® coverage? Due to the pandemic, Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® eligibility has remained the same since 2020—but redetermination started on April 1, 2023. Update your contact information now so that you can receive the latest alerts about your coverage! Stay informed. Stay covered.

Visit staycovered.ga.gov for more information.

Prefer to update your Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids® contact information in person? You can schedule a visit to your local Division of Family and Children Services office. Please note that this requires more time, so it is important to reach out ASAP.

Visit dfcs.georgia.gov/locations to find the location and business hours for your local office.

DAS Corner

GCOA in the Com

GCOA in the Community

GCOA had the honor of participating in the Buford Senior Center’s Class of 2023 University of Health graduation ceremony at the beginning of April. Council member, Vicki Johnson, delivered the commencement address and subsequently shook hands with graduates as they walked across the stage, alongside GCOA Deputy Director, Nikaela Frederick. See highlights of the event on Eye on Gwinnett HERE.

Last week, GCOA Vice Chair, Dr. Adrienne Mims, spoke at the Three Rivers Regional Commission at the Spring Into Action Aging and Mental Health Wellness Conference in Newnan, GA. She gave a talk on Aging and Depression imparting important information on mental health and CO-AGE while GCOA staff greeted attendees and Aging Services colleagues in the vender area.

GCOA Executive Director, Debra Stokes, recently traveled to Little Ocmulgee State Park in Helena, GA to to facilitate an Engage with CO-AGE presentation and to spend some time with the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission Aging Advisory Committee.

Save the Dates