SPRINGDALE, OHIO, June 5, 2020 Council on Aging (COA) has received a shipment of thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Ohio Department of Aging. COA will distribute the items, including 11,000 masks, hundreds of bottles of hand sanitizer, face shields and more, to service providers that deliver critical in-home care services to more than 26,000 older adults in southwestern Ohio.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10, 1-3pm
WHERE: Council on Aging’s Springdale office – 175 Tri County Parkway, 45246
WHO: Council on Aging Service Providers (invitation only, not open to the public)
The PPE items are needed to protect workers, and the older adults they serve, from COVID-19. The supplies come at a critical time as older adults who may have voluntarily suspended their in-home care services due to fears of the virus are now ready to restart their services.
The supplies will be distributed to more than 200 local businesses and organizations that have contracts with COA to provide services to help older adults remain independent in their homes and communities. COA’s service provider network includes home health aides, home-delivered meals producers and drivers, transportation providers, and more.
COA has previously distributed PPE to its provider network, but supply are in constant need of replenishment. As Ohio begins to reopen, COA and its provider network are committed to protecting the health and safety of provider staff and clients. Older adults will remain vulnerable to COVID-19 for the foreseeable future and public health officials continue to urge older adults to stay home and limit their contact with others. Seniors who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic should call Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025.
“I’m extremely proud of the work our provider network has been doing throughout this pandemic,” said Council On Aging CEO Suzanne Burke. “Despite this challenging environment, they have continued to provide services to our clients in a caring and safe manner – often responding to calls for help on short notice. Because of this teamwork, we’ve been able to help our clients weather the storm.”
Throughout the pandemic, COA has adapted programs and services to protect staff, providers and clients. There have been no disruptions in regular services, but more older adults are seeking help. Food security has been a focus of COA during this time. Working with its provider network and area partners, COA has distributed 15,000 emergency food boxes (each containing a 14-day supply of meals), nearly 10,000 comfort meals in partnership with LaRosa’s and Taste of Belgium, and has enrolled more than 500 additional people onto the home-delivered meals program. This work is ongoing.
About Council on Aging: Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. COA promotes choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain independent for as long as possible.
COA is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.
Regional Headquarters:
175 Tri County Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45246 | 513-721-1025 | 800-252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org