Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime Workgroup July Quarterly Webinar (All Ages, All Stages NC)
Hello. All right. I think we’re good to go,
Janice. Well, good afternoon everybody. I’m Janice Tyler. I’m director of the Orange County
Department on Aging Co, lead here with my friend Darrell. Yes. And I’m Darryl Davis,
Fulmer and I am Co leading with Janice Tyler,
and I serve as the community liaison for the retired Government Employees
Association of North Carolina. So welcome to our all ages, all stages.
North Carolina quarterly webinar. This is the space for us to connect,
learn and take action. These sessions are designed to keep
momentum going as we move from planning to implementation. This is the first of four webinars with
the four goals of the plan, and it will give you an inside look at
the progress being made. The partnerships that are being built and
the real world impact. That we’re aiming for together. Here’s what you can expect from today’s
session. Understand what all ages all stages is
really about. This is more than a plan. It’s a statewide movement to create a
North Carolina where everyone at every age can thrive. Learn how implementation subgroups are
leading the charge. You will hear how these focused
implementation subgroups are shaping key recommendations and driving forward. Concrete strategies. Gain National’s perspective,
we’re going to hear what’s happening across the country to strengthen
communities for a lifetime and how North Carolina is leading the way and we’re
going to find your role in the work ahead. Whether you’re a state leader,
a local partner advocate or service PROV. You will leave today with clear ways to
get involved. Stay engaged. And help shape what comes next. Next. We’re just so excited that you’re here
with us today. Your voice,
your leadership and your partnership are essential to making this plan real in
North Carolina. So what is all stages? All all ages, all stages, North Carolina. It’s North Carolina’s multi sector plan
for aging, a coordinated state LED road map designed
to prepare our state to support everyone as AH.
This plan was developed by bringing together partners from across sectors,
health, housing, transportation, social services and more. In a strategic planning process. The goal is to transform our system,
strengthen infrastructure and improve coordination of services for our rapidly
aging population and people with disabilities. This is not a plan to sit on a shelf. It’s a practical action oriented
framework that helps us work more efficiently by we’re elevating shared
goals, reducing duplication, streamlining efforts so that we can build
an inclusive, effective and responsive future for North
Carolina. All ages, all stages. North Carolina focuses on aligning
existing work. And doing it Better Together,
you may recognize some of these messages and slides as we share in the
introduction. That is intentional. Meaningful change requires time,
repetition, and shared understanding. This effort is a significant shift. We are not just launching a new program,
but rethinking how we support people as they age. How systems coordinate and how
communities serve everyone. While some ideas may be familiar,
each time we revisit them, we hope that they resonate more deeply
with you. Because successful implementation means
not only knowing the plan, but living it, shaping it,
and advancing with all of us here together. From 2022 to 2025,
N Carolina has taken significant deliberate steps to develop and implement
its multi sector aging plan. In 2022, the North Carolina Department of Health
and Human Services joined a national collaborative focused on multi sector
aging plans and this allowed. The state to learn best practices. And frameworks from other leaders in
aging policy. At the same time,
AARP North Carolina partnered with the North Carolina DHHS to pursue the age
friendly state designation, and together they launched the age my way
North Carolina initiative to foster age friendly communities and promote policies
that support aging with dignity and independence. And some of you. May have heard some of this before. But it doesn’t hurt for us to go a little
bit into the history, so in 2023. After conducting comprehensive,
comprehensive needs assessments that identify critical gaps and priorities. Former Governor Roy Cooper issued the
executive Order 280 this executive order. Charged North Carolina DHHS with leading
the development of a multi sector aging plan in coordination with cabinet level
agencies across the state government. And beyond the planning mandate,
Executive Order 280 included several directives to improve protections for
vulnerable adults. Enhance nutrition services. Expand broadband access to address
digital equity and provide increased support for caregivers. All important issues and also in 2023,
the all ages, all stages, North Carolina planning process. Formerly began,
and Janice and I were part of that this phase. Involved extensive engagement with
stakeholders across sectors including health, housing, transportation,
social services, advocacy groups, and people with lived experiences. So public import was input,
rather was actively solicited through forum surveys and meetings,
resulting in over 160 recommendations for addressing the needs of older adults and
people with disabilities. By 2024,
the initiative launched a targeted media and outreach campaign to raise public and
stakeholder awareness of the plan and its goals. Simultaneously,
the project team LED a rigorous prioritization process to refine the
recommendations, and this resulted from the 100 and 6041
action. Steps grouped into eight priority areas. Designed to focus resources and efforts
on the most impactful strategies, the final plan was officially completed
and published in September 2024. The focus has now shifted from planning
to implementation as the state and its partners began to execute the plan’s
priorities. Monitor progress. And adjust as needed to improve outcomes
for all North Carolina. As they age. Next slide,
strengthening communities for a lifetime is one of the four focus areas of North
Carolina’s multi sector plan for aging. Along with supporting older adults and
their families, optimizing health and well-being and
affording aging. As you can see on this slide here,
it is RO. In the belief that age friendly
communities benefit everyone from children to older. Adults and that is important to remember.
The focus area priorities, affordable and accessible transportation,
diverse housing options, digital inclusion,
safe public spaces and adult protections. But there are three priorities,
but there are three priorities that’s listed on the slide. It also elevates the role of local
government, nonprofits and community members as
essential partners. And building the infrastructure needed
for people to age well wherever they live. As we move from planning to action,
we are navigating both long standing challenges and new opportunities across
North Carolina communities. Face serious gaps in accessible
transportation, broadband connectivity and age friendly
housing. And the rule areas are especially
impacted. We also know that older adults are more
vulnerable during extreme weather and natural disasters. But there is momentum. We see strong local leadership and cross
sector energy. The the role of counties, Municipalities, area AG. Area agencies on aging and health systems
is critical here, and so is coordination. So building infrastructure. And services,
especially within communities, to meet the needs of older adults to help
them live safely and independently. So there are key areas that we need to
include. I think that may be on the next slide,
Divya. Maybe the next one. I’m not sure. I thought there were key. Site, yeah. OK. So the key areas are adult Protective
Services, disaster preparedness and Emergency
Management, transportation and service services
options, housing challenges and solutions, nutrition program and access,
and then social connectivity and digital literacy initiatives. Right. Change you on mute. Sorry. It’s OK. So guys, this work cannot be siloed. Strengthening communities to support
people throughout their lives requires requires a collective impact approach. That means building a shared vision that
recognizes AG as a responsibility for the entire community,
not just one agency or sector. To achieve this,
we must align efforts across multiple areas such as transportation, housing,
broadband access and adult Protective Services. Each of these sectors influence the
others. For example,
housing policy must be connected to transportation planning and emergency
preparedness to truly create supportive environments for our older adults. Additionally,
it is essential to elevate local leadership and centered the voices of
those with lived experience, including older adults, caregivers,
and community organizations. Their participation ensures that
solutions are Co designed, practical and sustainable over time. This approach also means intentionally
linking and coordinating with other existing plans and initiatives,
whether related to HealthEquity disaster Resilience,
digital inclusion or caregiving support. Integrating these efforts helps avoid
duplication, leverages resources, and strengthens the overall system that
serves as people as they age. Our goal extends beyond creating better
programs. We are working to build stronger
interconnected systems that can adapt, respond,
and support everyone in our communities at every age of their life. The implementation subgroups for all ages.
All stages have begun needing as of June 2025. We’ve had several meetings. Each group is focused on early action
aligned with the plan. If you did not receive an invite in the
first wave, there’s still time to join us. We’ll be sending out the next round of
engagement opportunities in October in advance of our next quarterly meeting. We want these meetings to grow,
evolve with the right mix of voices, especially as they start to build
momentum and shared ownership. So now we’re going to hear from our
subgroup lead. On what they’ve done with the subgroups
areas, the first year recommendations, first meeting takeaways,
emerging priorities and plan direction and next steps. So there are three. All ages, all stages. North Carolina implementation subgroup. Housing connectivity and digital equity
social determinants of health in our age friendly work.
And then we are also going to be integrating APS as an external subgroup.
Once the DSS audit adult services APS design team recondines their work. So now we’re going to hear from our
subgroup leaders. So take it away, Karissa and Dietra. Thank you so much. Yeah, I think deitr’s on here as well. We’re we’re Co chairing this fantastic
group today. Well, for the next two years,
which is really exciting, this implementation phase after working
to write it, it’s really incredible to now get started
on the work. One of the things that we’ve been focused
on focused on here initially is obviously the wider goal is increasing access and
shoring up the existing. Especially affordable housing that we
have, but we’ve been focusing on universal
design and encouraging development and adaptation of housing so that it’s it’s
more accessible to to really anybody of any ability or any age. And that’s the the really core of what
we’ve been doing for our last couple of meetings,
including getting some some presentations from folks that are experts. And I’ll let Petra chime in here too.
I don’t want to. Take up all the time. I think you covered it pretty well. Yes, we’ve we met twice. Both meetings were successful. We have. We rely heavily on our sticky note
assignment to make sure we are staying on Mm-hmm. track and I was very excited and I’m sure
the group was very excited to hear from Richard on the Universal design and just
how this could really impact and change the game in a. Permanent supportive housing world I know. Especially for people that already have
disabilities or people who are aging. Being able to age in place without having
to come out of pocket or find assistance for modifications is is is exciting to
think about in the future, so I really don’t have anything else to
add. I’m excited to be a part of the group and
working along with. Everyone and Carissa,
we do a pretty good job of piggybacking off of each other so far. Yeah. So. Great. Great pairing. Yeah, we’ve, we’ve added a new member. For umm Josh Walker,
who is the Olmsted director and secretary, and he has a lot of knowledge about. Housing and the Olmsted settlement
agreement. And I need to comply with that and how
this integration of the work here and some of what we’re doing on the North
Carolina Strategic Housing plan can really push forward our efforts to expand
housing stock for people who are aging and. People who are disabled. So I’m excited about that. Yeah.
And further to what Deitra mentioned about a little bit of recruitment,
while we have what I consider to be an exceptionally well-rounded group,
one piece of the puzzle I thought we we could use was some perspective from from
folks that do some development particularly senior focused. Development,
but also who currently volunteer voluntarily use a significant amount of
universal design in their? Properties that they develop,
so they’ve joined us as well. So I think that’s. The best part about this group is that
there really is an exceptionally well-rounded perspective base among the
people that are participating. So I think we’re taking pretty practical
steps. It’s a great group, guys. Yeah. OK. Louise and turkeysia. Hello everyone turkisha’s not with us
today. I don’t think she’s transitioned into
another role, so you’ll just have to put up with me. It’s great to see all of you. In terms of our focus and goals,
we want to strengthen our efforts to raise awareness about social support,
resources and programs, and also want to strengthen our
collaboration between. Public,
private and nonprofit organizations that serve older adults,
ultimately with the goal of reducing their social isolation and increasing
their engagement in their communities. Our second goal is to improve technology
access for older adults, especially in underserved rural areas,
and we hope to do that through training broadband expansion. And and other kind of physical resources.
And we also hope to increase the sustainability of North Carolina’s kind
of statewide digital efforts more broadly. And in terms of our subgroups
representation, we’ve I think we’ve got a great diverse
group of folks we have. Two institutes of Higher education in
North Carolina in the North Carolina. University system and Campbell University. Two staff members from area agencies on
aging to North Carolina senior Tar Heel legislature delegates. Someone from AARP 5 nonprofits and one
public DHHS division, other than the Division of Aging where I
am, which is focused on accessibility and
sensory loss. So in terms of our meetings,
we’ve only had one meeting so far. We met on June 20th in our next one is
scheduled for Friday. And mostly we focus. Getting to know each other and kind of
grounding all the members in the multi sector plan and kind of the current
landscape as it relates to our subgroups recommendations and we also, yeah. Louise, I’m gonna pause for a second. We’re having issues with the interpreter
pinning right now, so we’re gonna pause so we don’t miss
anything. Oh no. OK. Sure. So we might have to get you to back up a
little bit as well when we get back in. Sure. So we’re trying to figure out our pinning. So I see that Joseph which Michael? He’s he’s on my screen now and. I’m adding a spotlight for everyone. So let me know in the chat if that works. And Carlene, her screen is still black. So I don’t know, OK, worked. OK. Yeah, thumbs up. All right. OK. I think we’re good, Louise.
If you want to. How how far back should I go? Umm. I’m not sure when it went out. So I. I think we just start from the beginning,
if that’s OK. Just to recap of. See. Sure. Sure. OK. So you’ll have to put it with me a little
longer. Thanks everybody for thanks for flagging
up for us everybody. So you are able to see Farley now? Umm. All set. OK great. Hello everyone. It’s great to be with you.
So first of all, just looking at our subgroups,
focus areas and goals, we want to strengthen our efforts to
raise awareness about social support, resources and programs. And we also want to strengthen the
collaboration between public, private and nonprofit organizations. That serve older adults with the
ultimately with the goal of reducing social isolation and increasing their
engagement in their communities. Our second goal is to improve technology
access for older adults, especially in underserved and rural areas. We hope we will do that through training,
broadband expansion and physical resources. And we also hope to kind of increase the
sustainability of North Carolina’s statewide digital efforts more broadly
through this work. In terms of the representation of our
subgroup, we have great kind of diversity with the
sectors and roles that are represented. There are two area agencies on aging
represented to institutes of higher education,
Campbell University and then one of the UNC. The system universities 5 non profits and
community based organizations, one person from AARP to North Carolina
senior Tar Heel legislature delegates. And then we also have another in addition
to the division of aging where I am, we have one other public DHHS division
which is accessibility and Sens. Loss. So. So unlike the housing group,
we’ve only met once, but our next meeting is scheduled for
Friday and mostly we just focused on, you know, introductions,
getting to know each other, grounding all the Members in the multi
sector plan itself and the current landscape as it relates to our. Subgroups recommendations and we also
looked at some potential entry points for change. And in terms of the themes or priorities
that emerged during our first meeting? We want to advance a social connection
and long term digital sustainability statewide through storytelling,
and so we plan to determine like which stories should be told and who should
tell them. And we also want to increase public
awareness of the digital sustainability. Plans and the current initiatives,
you know some of the work that’s already being done through social bridging in C
and through North Carolina’s DIT Resource Finder. We also will leverage existing digital
equity programs and trying to avoid duplication. And next steps. We’re gathering input on storytelling
ideas via a shared kind of brainstorming document. On Friday,
we will have NCA representative from Ncdit will present on existing digital
equity program analysis and we also will build member awareness of Social Bridging
NC the website. And the resources that are there and we
will continue to explore practical low cost actions and in kind resources and
that’s it. Thank you. Great. Thank you, Louise.
And to our final group who have just finished a meeting right before this
webinar started, Rebecca and Barbara. Thank you. Thank you and welcome to you all.
And I’m also excited to be a part of this group and I think Barbara’s on here
somewhere. So hopefully I’ll I’ll speak first and
then. Pass it on to Barbara, but it’s also,
you know, Mm. with Barbara and I just working on our
subgroup. It’s very nice to hear updates from the
other subgroup, so thank you all for hosting this and
allowing this time because it is nice to hear what the other groups are doing.
So for our year one subgroup focus is of course as you can see,
prioritize transportation and. Nutrition to improve health and
independence for older adults. Addressing barriers through an
environmental scan. So. As as was just said. We just had our second subgroup meeting
right before this meeting and and we decided to we’ve decided to begin our
process of obtaining information on our topic by conducting 2 environmental scans. So we’re gonna do a scan regarding
transportation and nutrition as they relate to addressing barriers for older
adults in obtaining improved health and independence.
And So what we’ve done is we created some. We’ve created Microsoft forms. We also have a spreadsheet and what we’ve
tasked our subgroup with doing. Giving them homework assignments each
time is to reach out between now and our August meeting,
and to reach out to at least 20 within their area within their county,
within their region, organizations or agencies,
and just contact them, and we’re going to use these scans to
assess the. Conditions of both barriers and
innovative ideas regarding access to transportation and nutrition for older
adults across North Carolina. So we’re going to do that this first year
and hopefully. Yeah,
just gather the information at the August 20th meeting. Kind of do a check in and see where gaps
are and where we need to address more information,
and I’m gonna pass it off to Barbara. OK. Thank you, Rebecca. And you’ve you’ve done a great job of
setting the stage for what we’re about. My my role,
because I I’m such a linear person, that I have actually put together a
timeline chart that we shared with the Members today,
and one of the important things of the second meeting was still getting to know
each other. So we have a membership form that’s being
completed by the members of the subgroup, and once we have. I guess I’m looking at maybe 90% of the
data in Divya and Kaley will be working with us to produce what’s called a who
and where map for the state of North Carolina so that we can get a better
understanding of who’s who and where they are. Because when we do our environmental
scans, we want to not have more crossover than
is needed. We want to look at how we can. Group ourselves either by COGS or the
area agencies on aging and work together. That way we also talked about having a
disclaimer put on the the cover letters perhaps, or the the. Introductory e-mail to say to our people
that perhaps you may get contacted more than once by a different person because
we realize the overlap that is there. And but you only have to answer the
information one time. We had a lot of good interaction among
our Members, making suggestions as to how best to
deliver these requests to the agencies and organizations. And I think I mentioned,
we talked about disclaimers because that’s one that’s an important thing
because people like to make sure that. What they’re saying and what they’re
reporting out to us. Is valuable so that that’s a good point. I put together a timeline as I said that
goes through the 12 months, the one year that we’re supposed to be
working together with breaks that show each month we look at where we are. We look at the good,
what did work and what didn’t work and try to use that to prepare for getting
our information from the next month or the next session. We. As I said, we talked about the overlap,
so that was good and we talked about how to best communicate with each other. We have the SharePoint database which is
where all of our. Forms and templates and spreadsheets and
everything are located and that way each member can log in from time to time and
look at what’s going on. Make comment, hopefully ask questions. And Divvya said something about,
and perhaps Kaylee, about how we could set up our SharePoint
site. So that questions can be answered.
The answers can be seen by everybody. So and what we’re trying to do more than
anything else is to make this a collective to make sure that everybody
understands that everything you bring to the table is appreciated.
And we just look forward. To working with our group and getting to
know them better. Thank you. Thank you guys. Thank you, Deidre. Carissa, Rebecca,
Barbara, Louise, and you all have done a phenomenal job
thus far. And we really appreciate all the work
that you are doing. You’re making Janice and my work a lot
easier just by the the talent that you bring to the table. So we really, truly appreciate you all. Meeting with our groups,
our subgroups are active, everyone. On the call,
we have a very active set of subgroup members who attend. You know,
I’m just amazed each time we have a meeting. So thank you. Thank you.
I feel like we’re going to reach out goals.
So now I am so honored to introduce our speaker for today, Doctor Leanne Clark. Shirley,
we are thrilled to begin this next chapter of all ages, all stages. NC with a national voice who brings both
deep experience. Tees as well as a bold vision to the
table and the other best thing about Doctor Shirley is that she lives in my
city and I’m really happy about that. Doctor Leanne Clark surely is the
president and CEO of the American Society on Aging and a nationally recognized
leader in the field of gerontology with nearly two decades of expertise spanning
nonprofit leadership. Policy, research and strategic evaluation. She brings a unique cross sector lens to
the aging field, one that bridges practices,
policy and impact before joining ASA. Doctor Clark Shirley served as a senior
evaluation advisor at AARP, where she LED expertise. I mean enterprise wide strategic planning
and built systems. To track real world impacts. She previously led the aging and
disability research practice at Impact International and has long been a mentor
for emerging leaders in aging. She is a fellow of the Jeriel Topological
Society of America and holds a pH. D in gerontology from the University of
Maryland, Baltimore County. We invite next slide. We invite Doctor Clark Shirley to help us
kick off implementation because she understands not only where the aging
field is going, but also what it takes to get there. Her leadership at ASA has sparked a
national conversation about how we think about aging as a shared. Societal responsibility. And in today’s presentation,
as you can see on the slide that’s on the screen at the moment,
Leanne will spotlight national strategies and emerging practices that are helping
communities across the country become more inclusive, age,
integrated and resilient. And her remarks will highlight how age
friendly principles, especially in housing,
which you’ve heard some of the housing initiatives,
transportation and social connection. You heard some of those can be woven into
broader commun. Development and infrastructure efforts. She will also speak to how local and
state work, like all ages, all stages North Carolina can align with
national frameworks to drive measurable, lasting impact along the way. She will evaluate best practices from
other States and communities, offering both inspiration and actionable
ideas. For our work ahead,
the keyword is actionable. Ideas for our work ahead? Please please please join me in welcoming
Doctor Leon Clark shortly. Thank you so much, Darrell. Hi everyone. So what I. It’s great to be here with you. Can you hear me? OK, excellent. Yes. So I’m going. To use just a couple of slides and
approach this more just from. Some reflections on the current moment in
which you are implementing this very important multi sector plan share with
you. So some some insights as fresh as
yesterday. I’m I’m I’m back. I got back around 11:00 PM last night
from a trip to DC. I was at a convening celebrating the 90th
anniversary of Social Security. So the landscape is moving quickly and my
thoughts are changing almost daily. And Barbara,
I just have to say you said that you are a linear person. I strive to be like you when I grow up. I am a circular. Person so. So.
So you’ll you’ll see some of that in what I have to share with you today. So my goal is to tell you a little bit
about ASA, tell you a little bit about where I see
things going at the federal level. Talk about some opportunity areas and the
spoiler alert there is it’s all about partnerships and then. Close with some thoughts. On yeah, ways forward. Like Darryl said,
what what can we do now to get us where we need to go? And I want to just start by saying I do
not have all the answers. Unfortunately,
no one has all the answers right now, but fortunately for North Carolina. You and the collective work of this group
will absolutely be writing some of the new future for the state I wanted to.
Before I tell you about ASA I. I do some teaching when I can. I love teaching undergraduate and I
always start by asking them a question and I want to ask you too. It actually comes from a quote from
baseball player Satchel Paige. Perhaps some of you know this already. Umatilla. Paige asked. How old would you be if you didn’t know
how old you were? So I just invite you to sort of sit with
that question and feel free to share your thoughts in the chat if you’d like to. How old would you be? If you didn’t know how big you are or how
old you are, sorry I was reading the yes. Anyone have any thoughts? How old would you be if you didn’t know
how old you were? 30. Depends on the day. Yeah. 40 yeah,
as you think about that 29 and holding, I like it. As you think about the answer to that
question. Just, you know,
think about what’s behind your answer. Think about what’s informing your answer
and think about. The power that we all give to the number
of candles on our birthday cake. Think about why we do that.
And as you implement this wonderful plan, I love the name. North. All stages, all ages. That’s what it’s about. But I I think we owe it all to our we owe
it to ourselves and to each other to really think about why we give so much
credence to how old we are, why we start programs at the age of 65 or
50. What does it really? Mean. 19 until I try to get off the floor,
Bethany Wagner says. Yes, sometimes our knees. Deteriorate faster? Than than other parts of us. Well, thank you for humoring me. So like Darryl said, I’m Lianne Clark.
Shirley. I’m a gerontologist by training and I’ve
been working in this field forever and I have the real honor of leading the
American Society on Aging. If you don’t know ASA,
we are a 71 year old membership association,
the largest multidisciplinary membership association focused on aging. And we’re a professional. Home for everyone who works with and on
behalf of older people. Everyone,
it doesn’t matter what industry or or sector you’re from.
You’re welcome at ASA if you care about an age inclusive world. The members of ASA include major aging
network and advocacy organizations like the National Council on Aging,
like US Aging. Home care organizations, tech companies,
startups, nonprofits that are open. Up community based computer labs for
people of all ages. For instance, we have HR professionals that are members. We even have some some graphic designers
and some some companies that are selling products and want to understand how to
design and market those products more effectively. So we really. I like to say it’s our our greatest
strength and our greatest challenge to be. Truly multidisciplinary. How can we? Represent the interest, the opportunities,
the challenges across so many sectors across the public sector,
the private sector, nonprofit. How can we do that? I think you and your multi sector plan on
aging face the same strength and challenge. You are writing something that applies to
every single person in North Carolina. And that applies to every single sector
operating in the state. So I again,
I don’t have a concrete answer to how you do that,
but I encourage you to lean in and and keep pushing towards finding new ways to
integrate sectors you may not have thought have any relevance at all to this. Because I’m telling you with our aging
society, they do. So when we were prepping for this call,
Darrell, I think it was you, she said. Hey,
are you going to bring us some good news from DC? And I said I don’t. I I do not think so. I’m very sorry, but I do not think so. And, you know,
having landed back at RDU yesterday from being there, my answer is still the same. I don’t have good news. I don’t have bad news. What I have are some. Observations that I’d like to share with
you all. People ask me all the time. Where are things going? Where are we heading? And what I can say with certainty is that
the uncertainty continues. Things are moving. So rapid at the federal level in the
public sector. But there are a couple things that are
true. There are a couple. Objective facts that I think we should
all hold on to and use to ground ourselves.
Whether you’re doing this work for the multi sector plan,
whether you’re you’re navigating. Uncertainty in your day jobs. The first observation is this. The demand and the need for the work that
we do in service of older people and families. Will only it’s going up. And it will only continue going up. Nothing that is happening in DC is
changing the demand. Nothing that is happening is changing the
need. In fact, it’s getting greater. That’s an opportunity. That is an opportunity for you,
your knowledge, your experience, your organizations to demonstrate. Real value. The second thing is, without a doubt,
federal dollars are received. That’s happening in two different ways. And some of you know this much more
acutely than than than anyone else. We’ve had flat funding for many federal
programs and services. To support people who are growing older
in people with disabilities. Flat funding during a time of increasing
demand and need means. Decrease in funding. You have the same pot of dollars,
but more people that need that. Fewer dollars are available to each
person that needs them, and then of course,
there are also cuts happening. We have seen. Cuts to Medicaid and the big,
beautiful bill that will not kick in yet. We’ve seen cuts to snap that may kick in
a little bit quicker and to be honest with you, we’re not yet sure. Exactly what cuts will be coming down the
pipeline. How they’ll affect North Carolina,
but that is under negotiation. Right now in DC. So this is a really good time to call
your elected officials and express your support. For continued increased funding for
things like the older Americans act. Invite folks in to your agency. Invite Hillis to one of your meetings and
talk to him about the importance of the work that this group is doing. This is the time to be doing that. The third observation I have is that. There’s very real institutional knowledge. Under threat,
our federal agencies have operated for a long time with. A relatively large workforce of people
that understand our programs and services like Social Security, like Medicare,
they understand those inside and out. As reductions in force happen in our
federal agencies, there’s a lot of institutional knowledge
that they have that will continue going away. It’s not gone. It’s under threat. There are still people there keeping
these programs running, but it’s under threat. Work is continuing for those of you that
follow the organizational changes happening. Specifically,
within the administration for Community living, which is the agency that. Essentially operates the older Americans
act and services for people with disabilities. That agency has been. Parsed has been separated into pieces. Some will go into the Centers for
Medicare. Some will go into a new agency called the
Administration for Children, Families and Communities. However,
as early as recently as yesterday. The administration for community living
is showing signs of life. They are issuing grant opportunities. They’re issuing contract opportunities to
keep their work going. But I would be remiss if I didn’t
acknowledge that I think 1500 more ACL staffers were let go on Monday evening. So it’s uncertain. There’s signs there’s folks that want to
continue the momentum, but we just don’t know how it’s all going
to pan out yet. And all of this,
all of this affect as the federal environment for aging services goes,
so will States and localities because demand is not going anywhere. The next thing I want to point out is the
consolidation that we’re seeing happening at the federal level. Like I said,
ACL is part of this new administration for children, families and communities. There’s talk of the National Institutes
of Health going from 27 distinct agencies into as few as five institutes. So. Again, uncertain what this will look like. But without a doubt,
there is consolidation happening. And I actually see some opportunity in
that that I’ll talk about in a second. But before I get there,
I just I wanted to share my final observation. Final fact that we can hang on to public
awareness is going up about the need and the importance and the value of investing
in our aging society. That’s going up the relevancy that
everyday Americans speak and and and feel. To aging services and programs.
It’s going it’s creeping up. There’s more people than ever before
aware of and talking about these issues. And advocacy has been pretty darn strong. That’s going up too.
Meaning when people understand what’s at stake. They’re willing to share what they want
and need. With the elected officials that are
negotiating it all. Increase need federal dollars receding. Institutional knowledge being threatened. Consolidation.
But public awareness going up. That’s the situation that we’re in. So as we’re navigating all of these
uncertainties, as you’re thinking, how can I implement this plan? Those are just some, some, some. Grounds of truth to hang on to as your as
your, your charting your way forward. So now I want to turn to some opportunity
areas that I see as that existed before that exists now because of and that may
exist in the future because of what’s going on. And I want to say that in my opinion,
you know, in this time of consolidation in this
time of figuring out how we can use technology to operate more efficiently
and more effectively. There is a real opening for us here to
demand. Insist lead by example. Whatever you want to say. Demand that we infuse aging into every
single agency, every single public program,
every single private sector. Doesn’t matter. The demand is going up. Everyone,
everyone working and living in North Carolina. Everyone working and living in the United
States, aging is relevant to them and we have a
real opportunity moment here to state that case.
Make that case and offer our knowledge, our networks,
our connections in support to help people figure out what they’re going to need to
do. To meet the moment that our demographics
are bringing us, I think most of you know this every day. 11,000 Americans are turning 65. There’s seven states I think right now
that have more people over 60 than children under 18. There were only three states four years
ago. It’s happening real fast. People are going to be looking. For folks that know how to handle this,
you all know how to handle this. How can you position your knowledge,
your organizations to be part of the solution? That’s a real big opportunity. I think. I think you know North Carolina was
prescient in starting the work of the multi sector plan when you did,
because states that haven’t started it yet are going to be in a deficit to meet
the moment that we’re in. So I just want to applaud the work of
this committee. And and tell you to keep going. The only way forward is through cross
sector partnerships. I really believe that. I really believe that. And the work you are doing to figure out
what that looks like. Is is instrumental. I’m I’m just reading the chat comment,
Chur churches, the faith communities. There’s a comment in the chat about faith
communities, gospel radio, social media. I’m with you. Yes,
we have to figure out a way to invite the entire community to the table as we talk
about the ways forward. So I I hinted at the beginning. You know the way that the path forward
and the real opportunity areas, the areas for innovation,
whether you’re talking about social isolation, housing, mental health,
it’s partnerships, no one’s Janice. You might have said this at the top. No one agency can do this alone,
nor should they. That’s absurd. Partnerships are going to be
transformational. The first partnership opportunity that I
see is getting closer than you’ve ever been before with the Disability Community,
Disability Networks, disability justice movements. They are. Despite best efforts,
despite best intentions. There’s been a little bit of a separation
in the aging and the disability world. There’s been a lot of effort to bring
them closer and and we are inching closer together,
but there’s still a real need and a real opportunity right now to make those
worlds work better. Why? Why the disability community that you
haven’t already pulled in? Well, there’s very. Strong networks. There’s very committed people that are
passionate about their needs and wants. Very aligned on their mission to creating
a world where all of us can live. Good long, happy lives. Many of us will acquire a disability over
time. Many people with disabilities are living
longer than they ever have before and will need what the aging network provides. And many the disability world and the
aging world we share so many of the same challenges, like access to good,
acceptable, comfortable housing. Workforce shortages.
Both sectors are dealing with workforce shortages. Both sectors serve people that face
enormous discrimination. We all have funding challenges. And we all have an opportunity right now,
I think to position ourselves as valued. Valuable partners. For every sector that wants to meet the
moment of our aging society, and like I said before,
we share the same aspirations. We want good long lives on our own terms,
so now feels like a moment. You know, more than ever where we can partner up
aging and disability. And I’ll give you some examples of
partnerships in a moment here. The second. Partnership opportunity area. That I feel is really important is public
private partnerships. I think. As public dollars recede and as need and
demand goes up. I think the private sector will step in
in some way to help fill gaps. Provide services the port needs. They’re gonna do it with profit on their
mind. But if they’re gonna do it,
all of us might as well be at the table to help them do it right. When I think about. A successful multi sector plan. It’s got to include. Easy value based runways for the private
sector to join in and partner. It’s got to and I will say it’s the
biggest challenge that every multi sector plan is facing. Getting that value proposition right to
appeal to the private sector takes time. It’s it’s.
If we if you work in the nonprofit sector, you’re not used to talking about your
organization in those in that frame, in that language,
you’re not used to thinking about, quote, UN quote, making money. But we have to start inviting the private
sector to the table in ways that bring value to them. And in ways that help us fulfill our
mission. The third area is PEC ASA has been doing
a lot of work. To help the tech sector design better
solutions. To meet the incredible diversity of our
aging population, and I think when it comes to multi sector
plans too and again if you focus on topics like social isolation. So many tech companies want to get in
there and fix that problem and they think they have the solution. They’re like I’m gonna.
I’m gonna create an innovative solution where I’m gonna put an older person. Person on a chat, a live chat,
a zoom call with a with a younger person. I’ve seen that solution 89 times,
probably, and they’re great. It’s what? Yes, do it. But the way to get this right is to not
build yet another solution. The way to get this right is for you all
to come in and say, hey we we are trying to tackle social
isolation. We’re trying to tackle. Loneliness.
Here’s what we here’s how we understand the problems. Here’s what we know about the problem. Here’s who faces the problem. Here’s how age comes into it. Here’s how gender comes into it. Here’s how neighborhood comes into it.
Whatever you all know this because you work every day with with older people. Bring what you know to the tech sector
and Co design so that they can get it right in service of their goals and in
service of your larger mission. The 4th area. Is looking for unexpected partners that
are mission aligned and what I call age agnostic.
I love to walk into a room full of Ag tech startups and go who do you design
for? And so many say like all the 65 plus, OK, what if chronological age didn? Exist. Who do you design for? And some of them can answer that question.
Some of them cannot. And that just goes to show you how much
how many assumptions we bake. Into chronological age,
and I think that can get in the way when we think about. New partnerships too.
So I’ll give you an example of a company in a moment, but. What other initiatives are going on in
North Carolina right now that aren’t even talking about aging but that are? Trying to address social isolation in
rural neighborhoods. Who is doing work with a similar mission
to each one of the work groups that this, this, this effort? Each each of you,
each of your work groups, has a mission, has a purpose, has an objective. Think expansively.
Agnostic of age about others that are doing similar work. Maybe a health system is doing something
around food as medicine. Maybe they’re not talking about older
people. Maybe they should be. Maybe you’re the one that can give them
the information they need to embed aging into their work. So I’m going to show a few slides now to
give you some concrete examples of what these partnerships could look like. And then I’ll conclude with a few
thoughts on housing and then open it up to questions. Does that sound OK? Is everybody still with me? OK. Attempt to share my screen. That’s not working. Hang on, it’s me, not you. I promise, OK. Window. OK. Darryl, can you see the slide I have, OK. Yes. OK. All right, all right. So the first slide shows the heading is
Colorado Department of Human Services Partnership supporting Coloradans with
intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan.
There’s an image of. Two older appearing adults kayaking on a
beautiful Colorado River. Colorado really loves to get into their
their their natural beauty in the images to show that the work that they do. And that was taken from their multi
sector plan on aging, which was just released. Just a couple weeks ago, I think. So this partnership,
the goal of this partnership is to, and this is an example of partnering with
the disability community, the goal of this partnership is to
develop a blueprint that supports adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities across the lifespan. Why?
Because Colorado identified 2 pain points. There was a historical lack of evidence
based care practices for the IDD communities. But as people are living longer and
living in communities. Colorado saw an opportunity to prioritize
their social and emotional well-being as they aged into older adulthood. And the second pain point that they
identified was that many older, many people with Idddd are out living
their caregivers. And are in need of services,
so they are partnering up, led by the Department of Human Services. They’re partnering with the Disability
Opportunity Office. The Colorado Neuro Diversity Chamber of
Commerce, the local arc chapters. Those are disability advocacy groups.
If you don’t know them. The Colorado Department of Health care
policy and financing and other potential partners. To jointly work together as a coalition. To design a blueprint. So I wanted to point this out to you in
case it inspires some additional folks that you can bring to the table from
North Carolina, from the disability community,
all towards solving a shared problem or realizing a shared aspiration. The second example I have. Is an example of a health plan
partnership. Vitalic Health is a new startup that I
recently became familiar with that I’m really impressed by. And there’s an image on the slide showing
Vitalik’s tagline, behavioral health, specialized for aging adults. And there’s a woman sitting in a grassy
green yard outside, looking content and happy,
demonstrating that older people are still. Worthy of having good emotional and
mental health outcomes. The goal of Vitalik Health’s partnership,
and this is largely a tech venture venture,
is to provide effective behavioral health services and geriatric psychiatry care to
older people through their health plans. Why are they doing this? Older people face mental and behavioral
health issues. But experience higher rates of
misdiagnosis under diagnosis, mistreatment under treatment,
lack of access stigma, yet studies show. Time and time again,
when older folks with such issues have access to treatment,
their outcomes are better than younger populations,
sometimes so vitalic health recognized the partnership opportunity here and said,
hey, we have a tech platform, we have mental health expertise,
let’s find health systems and plans to. Work with who don’t currently offer such
services to their their beneficiaries, and many of them do not. And let’s partner up to solve this
problem together. I bring this to your attention because it
may inspire new directions for you to go with some of the health systems here in
North Carolina. Duke has a tremendous. Aging research collaborative,
for instance, if they’re not part of this effort,
they could and should be. But even beyond that,
as hospitals here in North Carolina deal with the fallout of cuts of Medicaid in
the years. Forward,
they are going to need your help figuring out how to keep people in the community
healthier before they even get to the hospital. Otherwise their costs will grow. There’s gonna be a real need for what you
have to offer here. And I really I just. I really love the the model that Vitalik
is using to to solve a problem through a somewhat straightforward,
but unfortunately still innovative partnership. Third example is a tech partnership. And it’s from a company that has an
office in in your fair city. Darryl, right here in Durham. They’re a venture called Thoughtbot. And on this slide is a screenshot from
Thoughtbot’s website and their tagline is let’s make your product and team a
success. What’s important to know is Thoughtbot
knows nothing about aging. They care about their goal is helping
other tech ventures design. Better products and better solutions for
all market, including age market. Botbot is not a subject matter expertise
in aging. They don’t work there. The clients that they serve,
the startups that they serve, they don’t know about aging either,
but they know they want to. They know they need to. Too often,
tech startups design solutions with one person in mind or without the full
picture of the diversity that is inherent in aging. In mind,
and so Thoughtbot knows that it’s important to understand the ecosystem in
which we’re all aging. Hui Hui,
who we interact with where we live, what our house looks like,
what the air is like around us. Do we live in a floodplain or not?
That’s increasingly important. All of this matters to how we age.
All of this matters to how we navigate our needs and our wants. Tech sectors need to understand this
context. So that they can design the best solution
for it rather than just building one more solution to cure social isolation. So Thoughtbot is partnering with their
startup clients, but also after coming to our conference
this fall, they’re engaging ASA members in sort of
an expert sharing mode. They know that ASA members,
including some of you on here, you all understand the ecosystems in
which people are aging. You are part of those ecosy. You have something to offer thoughtbot
and its startup clients so that they can design better tech. And finally, there is just so much. So much promise in continuing to grow
nonprofit partnerships that are mission aligned but age agnostic give an hour is
another local company. They’re based in Chapel Hill. Given our is a nonprofit that connects at
a national level, underserved communities with free mental
health and emotional well-being support. They know that groups face groups that
have higher risk of adverse mental health, like veterans like trauma survivors.
They often face significant barriers accessing mental and emotional health. So they and they also know that there’s
thousands of providers and thousands of organizations across the country. They’re willing to step up. They just need a way to reach the people
that need them that can’t access them. So given our is pulling together
nonprofits, providers, local, state, federal agencies. And any entity really that reaches into
groups of older adults and families to work together to make sure access to
mental and emotional support is available for all of us, no matter how old we are,
they’re not in the aging sector. They’re not an aging services partner.
They’re a mental health nonprofit. But they are mission aligned with what
you are doing and they want to be more age inclusive. There are 1,000,
000 partnership opportunities like that out there. It’s just a matter of getting rid of
those assumptions we put around aging as a parameter for partnering. I’m gonna stop sharing. And I know housing is. Mm-hmm. An important issue for everyone. Am I good on time or do we need to stop? Divya think we’re good. Yeah, we’re good. OK. We’re good. I just this won’t take very long. It’s an observation that. That I made just yesterday when I was at
the Social Security event so. I’ve talked at you quite a bit about the
context, the uncertainty, the way forward is partnerships. It has to be. But housing is a really tough issue to
solve, even with the best of partnerships, especially when funding is receding.
And I don’t have an answer for you, but what I wanted to share. Is that while we are in this year of
celebrating the 9th, it’s the 90th anniversary of Medicare of
Medicaid, of Social Security. All of that, of course,
came from the Social Security Act that was signed into law 90 years ago. And it was part of the New Deal. And the New deal was FDR’s signature
response to the Great Depression. Mm-hmm. It focused on a very clear, very bold,
very aspirational objective. That objective is relief for the
unemployed, relief for the poor, recovery for the economy. And reforms to prevent a future
depression. That’s it. Was that’s what was going on during the
time that the New Deal came up. It was the shared American pain struggle
need and aspiration for better lives. That created the environment and the
political capital for the New Deal to arise. And I’ve been thinking about that in
context of where we are right now. And need us going up. Public support is going down. There’s a lot of uncertainty.
There’s a lot of fear about what’s happening. I actually think housing the housing
crisis that we’re having is going could be positioned as a unifying. Problem to solve through a clear, bold,
aspirational objective. So many people are feeling this pain.
So many people will continue to feel it as our society continues to grow older. And when I think about. The multi sector plan on aging. And how housing is a part of it. I think the messaging has to be bigger
than advocating for access to housing. As we grow older. The messaging has to be. Bold, aspirational.
All of us deserve good, comfortable places to live,
and not all of us have that yet. What can we do together to fix it? Again, it’s not a solution,
just an observation. But I wanted to end on that note and now
I will stop talking at you and hopefully talk with you. So Leanne,
we certainly appreciate the information you’ve given to us today and I kind of
thought about you were taking us, putting us on the spectrum kind of you
know where you can make changes along the way? But I think often we feel defeated
because so many things you know are happening that are just not right. But you put us on that spectrum and took
us to opportunity and I think that’s the direction and the place where we need to
be. And I feel like all of our work groups
are there. They’re looking at everything as an
opportunity and I think we just have to stay there as hard as it gets. We have to stay there because there’s
some light at the tunnel here or in the tunnel, wherever the tunnel is that,
you know, we can really make a difference. And transform our community in a way that
all ages all stages have set. So we truly appreciate your insights
today. The perspective you’ve given us the
examples you’ve given us. And you know,
we’re going to take that to heart. And yes,
housing is moving in some of those directions with disabilities and all that
already. So I think that just popped a little
energy into that group as well. And so I will deviate is going to handle
the questions. But Janice,
do you have any additional comments for LeAnn? Fired. I’m sitting over here. Yeah. I’ve got a page full of notes and I am
just so inspired by you that. Yeah, we’re,
there’s just so many opportunities for us and and the the giving out the couple
things that you mentioned that are right Yeah. here with us given our I thought, oh,
I needed those folks yesterday because we had the flooding here in Chapel Hill. We were gathering our troops of like how
the behavioral health resources. Yeah. We have,
which obviously we don’t have enough, so I need to talk to those people. The thoughtbot you know I’ve been in
contact with someone with AI and so and then again the the thing to inspire us
for us to Alltel our story and we’ve been Yeah. talking about that. Yeah. It it’s so key for each and every one of
us on this call to tell our story of the What’s going on? impact of our work. So that that’s where I’m at right now. So thank you, Leanne. It was great. Great. Thank you so much. Thank you. And it’s just that Kaylee and Divya,
how are you all want to handle the the questions? I’m just grateful that Leanne was
available today and was able to bring this to us. So, and I’m glad we’re recording it too,
so we can go back. Looks like we may have some questions. Oh yes, I want to share. I want to get my staff to hear this,
so yes, Go ahead. Yeah, me too. it’s definitely going to be shared. I thought saw a hand. Divya. Kaylee,
do you all want to just take over? It looks like Mary Bethel has some
comments. Yeah,
it’d be great to turn it over to Mary. Yeah. Mary unmute Mary. There we go. I had a question. Great presentation. Thank you so much for being with us today.
I think we all needed that little pep talk as and talk about opportunities. So I’m interested from the national
perspective. I know everybody’s been busy putting out
fires and addressing all the uncertainty that’s going on. Do you see any coming together with
national organizations and groups? Trying to coalesce around one or two top
issues. That we can coalesce a ride at states.
Also at this point. Your question is much more timely than
you realize. Yes,
the moment we are in now seems to be you know,
the fight for Medicaid protections was hard fought. How it was won is up to all of our
interpretations. Depending on where we stand,
but preserving and storing up funding for the older Americans act. The time is now to start talking about
that and advocating that you will start seeing. Some national level messaging coming out
around that soon and I’m I know that’s cryptic, but it’s literally. In the works in the planning stage right
now. But without a question advocating for
increased funding of the older Americans act, the time is now. Thank you, Leanne, and thank you Mary. I think we had a couple more questions. Thank you. Someone else had their hand up,
but we’d like to open it up to the broader public to ask questions for
doctor Leyan or any of the subgroup leads about the work groups and the direction
that they’re taking for year one. So I can’t see who has her hand up but. It’s AC, whoever that is. Yeah, I think that’s. AC. Go ahead. Yeah. Me. Yeah, can. Can you hear me? Yes. OK, great. Just a small question, maybe a direction. Right now I’m I’m on the I’m a student on
the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I’m working on making a student
organization that is focusing on LPA. I want to have a way for me for my group
to go in the project that is going on right now in North Carolina. I don’t know if you can maybe give me
some hints of. Where? We can start. Right now,
we’re focusing on outreach groups and we’re trying to make an impact on older
people through students. But I mean the starting process,
maybe I just had a. Question to say please do you have
something where we can start? Is your, is your?
Is your question about how you can get Getting involved. involved with the North Carolina multi
sector plan? Yes. OK, then Darrell, that’s all you. Divya, she just took off her. That’s difficult. Her mic. Yes, we would love to get you. We’d love to set up a conversation with
you to learn about which subgroup you’d be most interested in.
I think I heard you say you were interested in creating a Center for
healthy aging, and so with that we actually do have a
health and well-being subgroup under. Optimizing health and well-being
workgroup, they’ll actually be presenting next week.
If you’re interested in learning more about their group’s priorities. And then we can introduce you. To their subgroup leaders and their next
meeting. Great. Thank you. And Romero, if you’re here in Chapel Hill,
I’d be happy to talk with you. Sure. Mm-hmm. My office is at the Seymour Center. Got it. Yeah, yeah, that would be great. Yeah, maybe we can send it to your e-mail. Yeah. Thank you. That would be great. Any other questions? I can’t see any other hands. I don’t see any other hands. Thank you so much, Doctor Leanne. This was such a really needed
conversation and all the perspectives you shared are gonna be really valuable as we
move our plan forward. And so I’m gonna wrap up our presentation
with some brief closing remarks. Our director is not able to join us,
but she will be joining the rest of the webinars next week and so couple things
that we want you to take away today is you know as Janice and Darrell stated,
aging is a lifelong process. It begins the day we’re born,
not the day we term 20306070. And so if we want North Carolina to be a
place where people can age with dignity, choice and connection,
we really have to start now. And we’re doing just that with the multi
sector plan for aging and strengthening the communities we all depend on.
And so as Janice stated earlier, this means more than just the programs
for older adults, but it means creating neighborhoods where
everyone, whether they are 8 or 80, can. Get where they need to go. Stay in their homes,
stay connected and stay supported. As Darryl stated earlier,
we are already familiar with many of the barriers.
We’ve continuously heard a lot of the barriers through our listening sessions
and surveys, lack of affordable and accessible housing
comes up limited transportation options both in rural and urban areas,
digital gaps that keep people is. And then one thing that’s kind of cross
cutting is that the disjointed systems. But the good news is through the multi
sector plan for aging, we’re not starting from scratch along
with our community of other states. To leverage on,
we have a strong North Carolina with local leaders,
lot of proven models as you are seeing a lot of our subgroups are doing
environmental scans to really elevate the great momentum and already all of the
great work happening across our state. But what we really need is alignment,
coordination and a shared sense of purpose. And all ages, all stages.
NC gives us that shared framework. It connects the dot between healthcare,
long term services, support public health, housing and so many other. For topic,
so we’re looking forward to working with you all across sectors and across systems,
not just to serve people but to support thriving communities.
And as Doctor Leanne stated earlier, the work will not be done by just one
agency. It’s going to take all of us state
partners, local governments, Mm-hmm. community organizations or advocates or
residents working side by side. So thank you all so much for your
expertise, your voice and your actions. We’re really looking forward to
progressing this bold vision. Engineering plan together and so I want
to end by saying that this is a QR that’ll take you to our all ages,
all stages website. We would love to continue to have
conversations. Kaylee put our e-mail address in the chat
earlier so we would love to set up meetings with you all to learn more about
where your current programs, services or policies may align with one
of the 8 priorities in our plan. We’d love to connect with your
organizations to come share about all ages, all stages,
and see and hear from you all too. We want to connect the success stories. The lessons,
the stories and datas as we’re trying to build out our robust data dashboard
across all of our four goals and eight priorities. So we look forward to joining you all
joining us next week if you’re able to. We’ll be having a webinar on Wednesday as
well as Thursday. Wednesday is going to be our guest
speaker is going to be focused on the direct care workforce. So you’ll be hearing from Kezia scales,
from Phi, Trish Farnham from the NC Center for
Workforce for Health, as well as North Carolina is going to be
launching our national court indicators. State of the Workforce survey so. Our advancing states,
partners and hsri leaders will be joining us to share a little bit about how the
first year in the pilot went for that survey. And then on Thursday,
we have Bob Blancato sharing about ageism, financial security and really connecting
it to with policy and ADV. Efforts. So thank you all so much. Thank you, Divya. Thank you, Leanne,
again and thank you Janice everyone for attending today. Thanks so much guys. I hope you’ve been inspired and will join
us on our journey. Yeah. Absolutely. Thank you. And thank you all for your leadership. Thank you. You’re quite welcome. Thank you. Bye bye. Thank you.
The July quarterly webinars provide an opportunity for updates on key implementation priorities, progress from subgroups, and a chance for open discussion, with featured guest speakers to elevate best practices.
The Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime workgroup focuses on building inclusive, age-friendly communities by advancing strategies in housing, transportation, social engagement, health care access, and community services. It includes three subgroups: Housing, Connectivity and Digital Literacy, and Social Determinants of Health and Age-Friendly.