Serving Oklahoma Seniors Topic of OKDHS November Lecture

OKLAHOMA CITY-- Oklahoma is much like the rest of the nation when it comes to an aging population.  With the rapid and continued growth of this sector, many organizations find themselves confronted with the pressures of caring for our elderly.  That is the next topic in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Fall Lecture Series.  “The Future of Serving Oklahoma Seniors” will be presented Thursday, November 8, from Noon to 1 p.m. in the Governor’s Blue Room at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Guest speaker will be Lance Robertson, Director of OKDHS Aging Services Division, and President of the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability.

Robertson will provide his unique insight on how Oklahoma can further improve its service delivery to seniors in need.  He will also discuss the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and federal budget issues—both of which are significant drivers in the reshaping of the aging network landscape.  Various federal initiatives will also be discussed, breaking down the future of long-term services and supports, as well as the desire to provide choice to seniors with an emphasis on home and community-based care.

In 2007, Robertson assumed his role as Aging Services Director with OKDHS.  He is responsible for a $350 million dollar budget that includes Medicaid and Federal/State dollars.  He oversees 17 major aging services programs, and leads a statewide team of 265 staff members.

Robertson was the 2004 recipient of the Oklahoma Aging Professional of the Year Award.  He completed graduate coursework at Oklahoma State University, and is also a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program for State Officials. He was a member of the first class of the Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy.

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. 

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

###