Oklahoma Older Women's Initiative Begins Public Listening Conferences Series

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Older women in southwestern Oklahoma will have an opportunity in October to voice concerns and express desires for services during the second in a series of public listening conferences sponsored by the Oklahoma Older Women’s Initiative (OWI).
The conference will held from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Pioneer Center, located at 1000 Gartrell Place, Weatherford. The Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging is hosting the event in conjunction with OWI, an advisory group to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division and AARP Oklahoma.

The purpose of the listening conference is to give older women the opportunity to have input in needs assessment and to make recommendations to promote the development and expansion of programs that respond to the emotional, physical and financial needs of older Oklahoma women throughout the state. It is designed to enhance public awareness of the needs of older Oklahoma women.

The Older Women’s Initiative was created in 1996 to enhance the quality of life for older Oklahoma women by developing an action agenda that addresses their current and future needs. Members include representation from state and local government, financial institutions, education, advocacy groups such as AARP Oklahoma and the State Council on Aging, business leaders and law enforcement.

Pat Hawkins of Oklahoma City, who retired last year following a more than 30-year career in the Oklahoma Department of Health, serves as OWI chair. She and Carolyn Dowers of AARP Oklahoma, will moderate the event. Interested persons may contact Staci Mauney, SWODA Area Agency on Aging planner, for more information 1 (800) 627-4882 or locally in Burns Flat, (580) 562-4886.

###