OKDHS Lecture Series Concludes with Senior Safety Net in Jeopardy

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL-- The recession has had a devastating impact on the economic well-being of low income senior citizens, particularly people of color. Now as debates rise in intensity over the future of Social Security and Medicare, seniors living near the poverty line face an uncertain future.

Karyne Jones, President and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. (NCBA), will present “The Senior Safety Net in Jeopardy.” It is the final installment in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Spring Lecture Series being held Thursday, May 17, from Noon to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

In this lecture, Jones will focus on the disparities African Americans and other minorities face in terms of treatment, access and affordability. She will discuss the impact of the Affordable Care Act on seniors, particularly for minority seniors and the economic impact they will face if changes are not addressed now. NCBA, based in Washington DC, is one of the largest minority-focused organizations in the United States. NCBA is dedicated to preserving the dignity and enhancing the lives of low-income elderly African Americans.

Jones leads NCBA in its efforts to deliver fair and affordable housing, employment services, and healthcare intervention programs for low-income African Americans and other minority seniors. She also targets new business, partnerships, and other opportunities to ensure the organization’s commitment toward minority aging.

Jones has a bachelor's degree in political science from Clark Atlanta University. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs from Northern Illinois University. She received a second master’s degree in public policy and administration from Harvard University.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the OKDHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. Additional sponsor for this lecture is the Aging Services Division of the OKDHS.

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website (Link opens in new window).

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