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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2008

Older Ohioans Can Change the State and the World Through Volunteerism
April 27 to May 3 is National Volunteer Week

COLUMBUS - Older Ohioans have been a staple of volunteer programs throughout the state for decades, but their sheer numbers and drive for civic engagement today position them to be at the center of social change in their communities, the state and the world. The Ohio Department of Aging proudly supports National Volunteer Week, April 27 through May 3, 2008, and encourages Ohioans of all ages, but especially our older neighbors, to become and stay engaged with a variety of volunteer programs. The 2008 national theme is "Volunteer to Change the World."

"Today's seniors are healthier, more active and better educated than ever before, and they expect and want to remain active past traditional retirement age. For some this means staying in the workplace, but for many it means volunteering their time and talents to a worthy cause," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "With an estimated 12,000 residents turning 60 each month, Ohio stands to benefit greatly from the dedication and altruism of this generation."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, older Americans donate more than 350,000 hours of their time each year - this includes the work of an estimated 19,000 older Ohioans. They support education, economic development, health care and senior services in their communities. With an increase in the number of available volunteers, many social programs will be able to expand their reach and benefit more people.

The Department of Aging partners with other state entities to provide two unique opportunities for older volunteers.

• Volunteer Ombudsman Associate Program - Volunteers establish a regular presence in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and provide information about resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life to residents and family members.
• Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program - Volunteers are trained to provide free information and health insurance services to people in Ohio covered by Medicare.

The department partners with the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide three additional volunteer programs:

• Retired Senior Volunteer Program - Volunteers contribute to a variety of nonprofit organizations benefiting children, the elderly and community improvement, based on the individual's interests and skills.
• Foster Grandparent Program - Volunteers offer emotional support to children who are victims of abuse and neglect, tutor children who lag behind in reading, mentor troubled teenagers and young mothers and care for infants and children with disabilities and severe illnesses.
• Senior Companion Program - Volunteers reach out to frail older adults who need extra assistance to live independently in their own homes or communities.

The department also supports the Ohio Citizen Corps, a part of the Ohio Homeland Security Task Force that uses volunteers to support local crime prevention and emergency response systems. Learn about these opportunities and more at the Ohio Department of Aging's Web site: www.goldenbuckeye.com/families/volunteer.html.

Many local senior centers or community action agencies also welcome volunteers for a variety of programs. Contact your area agency on aging for more information about what is available where you live. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.

About National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is a service of the Points of Light Foundation and the Hands On Network and is sponsored by Target Stores, Inc. This special week offers opportunities to thank some of America's most valuable assets - our volunteers - and to recognize the myriad of ways they improve our communities. To learn more, visit www.pointsoflight.org.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.