Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 9, 2009

Department of Aging, OAGE Solicit Nominations for Practitioner of the Year
Annual Award Honors Excellence in Gerontology Research and Partnerships

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging once again is partnering with the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) to solicit nominations for that organization's fifth annual Practitioner of the Year Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations in Ohio's aging network that either have improved services to older adults through research and evaluation or have developed noteworthy partnerships with institutions of higher learning for the betterment of Ohio's older population.

"Approximately 12,000 Ohioans turn 60 each month and, while we are living longer, healthier and more active lives than ever, our growing population of older adults will need a strong network of geriatric professionals to understand and help meet their needs," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "It is important that we find every way to support and recognize the contributions of educators, researchers, professionals and students throughout the state who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all of our older citizens."

Examples of eligible initiatives include student intern and mentorship programs; intergenerational programs that benefit students and older adults; use of performance measures to improve services; partnerships with institutions of higher learning to improve or expand services; research that results in improved practices or new services; and partnerships aimed at expanding the health and long-term care labor forces.

Previous honorees include Bonnie Walson, founding director of Heritage Day Health Centers; Kaye Inoshita, ombudsman program director for Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.; Dr. Kyle R. Allen, D.O., chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Medical Director of Post Acute Senior Services for Summa Health Systems; and Debby Allen, long-term care ombudsman for northeast Ohio.

For more information and to access the nomination form, visit www.oage.org. Nominations must be received by March 6, 2009. The award will be presented at the OAGE annual spring conference, March 27, in Oxford, OH.

About OAGE

The Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) is a membership organization comprised of gerontology educators, researchers, practitioners and students. OAGE supports Ohio's aging network as a resource for research and practice, and provides professional development opportunities. Visit www.oage.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.aging.ohio.gov.