DHS holds first public listening session on aging issues

OKLAHOMA CITY-- The Department of Human Services (DHS) Citizens Advisory Panel on Aging Issues is asking for the public’s input on issues related to elder Oklahomans.  A listening session will be held in the auditorium of Tulsa’s Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St., on Wednesday, June 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

“The Citizens Advisory Panel is charged with advising the DHS Director on issues relevant to older Oklahomans, and that is a task our panel takes very seriously” said Panel Chair Dr. Whitney Bailey.  “We are the citizen’s advisory panel and want to represent the voices of the citizenry, whether it is older citizens, caregivers, service providers or others invested in the services DHS provides to our diverse and growing population of older Oklahomans.

“We want to hear about their experiences with DHS programs targeted to serve elder Oklahomans and learn what is working well for seniors in our state.   We also want to discuss ways services can be improved to enhance the overall quality of life of older citizens,” Bailey said.

Input from the public is not only welcome but is the sole purpose of this event.  Those who attend will be invited to join in group discussions.  Information gathered from the session will be shared with DHS administration.  This is the first of several events to be held throughout the state.  Future dates and locations will be announced later.

The listening session is open to the public, but RSVP is requested by emailing okagingissuespanel@yahoo.com.

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