Kingston, NY (September 11, 2009) - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein hosted a “Senior Summit” this week, with invitees from senior clubs from throughout the County. The Summit included welcoming remarks by the County Executive, followed by presentations by County Department Heads on current topics of concern to the senior community. These included:
Seasonal and H1N1 (Swine Flu) prevention and treatment, including important vaccination information regarding both flu types, presented byU.C. Acting Public Health Director, Nereida Veytia.
A review of the Home Energy Assistance (H.E.A.P.) and Food Stamp programs, including changes in eligibility and benefits, presented by U.C.Commissioner of Social Services, Roberto Rodriguez.
A review of the multiple services and programs available to seniors through the Ulster County Office for the Aging (OFA), presented by Anne Cardinal, Director of U.C.O.F.A.
Others areas of interest to seniors, such as long-term care programs, consumer fraud topics and property tax exemptions. In his welcoming remarks, the County Executive noted that there are a myriad of human service programs and services available to seniors. He said, “My administration is committed to a pro-active approach to improving communications and processes so that people become fully aware of the assistance and benefits that are available to them and so that residents can access those services with the maximum degree of ease and user- friendliness.”
He also emphasized the need for enhanced “two-way” communications, including actively soliciting ideas from seniors on ways that the County can improve its services and delivery systems. Future informational meetings, on topics of concern to seniors and other groups, are in the planning stages.
More information on all of the programs available to seniors is available by calling the Ulster County Office for the Aging at (845) 340-3456 or by visiting OFA’s website at:
www.ulstercountyny.gov/resources/aging.html.
Health related information is available by calling the Ulster County Health Department at (845) 340-4000 or by visiting online at:
