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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- A series of public hearings will be held across the state this spring to allow older Oklahomans and other interested citizens to have input into state and area plans for development and delivery of services funded through the federal Older Americans Act.
Information and comments submitted during the hearings will be used to develop both the local area plan and the state’s plan of service delivery for the next four years, said Roy Keen, Director of Aging Services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Keen said. "We believe this grassroots approach is essential to ensuring that Oklahoma’s plan meets the needs of older Oklahomans and their families."
The five public hearings are sponsored jointly by the OKDHS Aging Services Division and the local area agencies on aging.
The first hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 17, 2002, at the Checotah Senior Nutrition Site, 611 N. Broadway, Checotah, Co-sponsor of this hearing is the EODD Area Agency on Aging, headquartered in Muskogee.
A hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. April 23, 2002, at the Pauls Valley Senior Nutrition Site, at NYA Building Wacker Park, Pauls Valley. Co-sponsor of this event is the SODA Area Agency on Aging, headquartered in Durant.
Residents of northern Oklahoma are invited to attend a hearing at 9:30 a.m. April 25, 2002, at the Ponca City Senior Center, 3190 W, Grand, Ponca City. Co-sponsor is NODA Area Agency on Aging located in Enid.
All those attending the annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging will have the opportunity to attend a state plan public hearing being held in conjunction with the annual conference. It is set for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, following the meeting of the State Council on Aging, at the National Center for Employee Development/Marriott Conference Center located at 2801 State Highway 9, Norman.
The final hearing is set for 10 a.m. May 16, 2002, at the Weatherford Pioneer Center, 1000 Gartrell Place, Weatherford. Co-sponsor is SWODA Area Agency on Aging out of Burns Flat.
All hearing locations are accessible to persons with handicapping conditions, and interpreters can be available if required. "Persons needing this type of accommodation are encouraged to contact the local area agency on aging to make planners aware of the need," said Nadine Beat-Walter, OKDHS Aging Services Division supervisor who is leading the development of the statewide plan.
Beat-Walter said written comments will be accepted for one week following each of the public hearings.
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