The Area Agency on Aging Region One is proud to announce that the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Campaign (WEAAD) for the past three years has been honored with an Aging Achievement Award by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) at the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 24-28, in San Diego, CA.
The 2016 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. A part of the criteria for the selection of the honorees was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
The award winning campaign was designed by Ronald Conner of the Area Agency on Aging Region One and promoted through social media, the Agency website, local media, local theaters, health fairs, workshops, community presentations and collaborative partnerships. With a theme of ‘Financial Exploitation Usually Isn’t Obvious’ and distribution of pink piggy banks throughout the community to highlight the concept of ‘Protect Your Money’, the campaign brings awareness to the critical issue of financial exploitation of the elderly.
With more than 4200 incidences of financial exploitation in Arizona last year, it is clear that this problem must be addressed,’ said Mary Lynn Kasunic, President & CEO of Area Agency on Aging Region One. ‘Our goal is to provide the information to alert older adults and their caregivers as well as those in our community who offer financial assistance.’
If you or someone you know has been the victim of financial exploitation, call the Area Agency on Aging Region One 24 Hour Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-4357 for assistance.
