OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 12, 2023) – Oklahoma Human Services and their OK Cares coalition partners are proud to announce the annual Oklahoma Family Caregiver Conference on Thursday, Nov. 2. Entitled “Caregivers Rock,” the conference will offer attendees the resources and support they need to thrive in their critically important and valued caregiving roles.

In-person conferences will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lawton, McAlester and Enid, while the virtual conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Conference locations are available on the registration page at https://okcares.org/.

“Caregivers play critical but often underappreciated roles in our society,” said Jeromy Buchanan Oklahoma Human Services Director of Community Living, Aging and Protective Services. “While caregiving is a selfless act of service that creates opportunities for loved ones to experience rich and fulfilling lives, we recognize that this work is also incredibly hard. It is so important that we take this time to celebrate caregivers and offer opportunities for respite, so our caregivers return to their homes and loved ones recharged and refreshed.”

Caregivers attending the conference who need to hire a respite provider may be eligible for a one-time educational voucher valued at $100 for the full day or $50 for a half day. Caregivers may call 405-271-2710 to apply for the educational voucher.

"Family caregivers are so focused on caring for their loved one with special health care needs, they often overlook their own personal health and wellness,” said Aietah Stephens, family caregiver and Executive Director of Sooner SUCCESS. “This statewide conference focuses on them. It’s a great opportunity to recharge, remind them their self-care is important and there are resources available to support their unique journey.”

The conference will host several inspiring national and local speakers, a Caregivers Across the Lifespan panel, caregiving tips, entertainment and numerous door prizes.

“The caregiver conference is a unique opportunity to celebrate the amazing work of caregivers, support them in their role and empower them with information about valuable resources that can assist them and those they care for,” said Claire Dowers-Nichols, Executive Director of Healthy Living OKC and Norman. “As the number of family caregivers in the state continues to increase, events like this become increasingly important to support them in their roles.”

Conference registration and sponsorship opportunities are available on the coalition’s website at https://okcares.org/. Sponsor registration closes Friday, Oct. 20. Virtual conference attendee registration closes on Nov. 1. In-person registrations will close as soon as capacity is reached at each site.

The website also offers a host of resources for caregivers including the Caring Assistance Line at 1-800-211-2116, a respite locator, resource directory, support groups and ways to get involved.

Again, in-person registration will close as soon as capacity is reached, so attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible at https://okcares.org/.

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About the Pinnacle Plan

In January 2012, Oklahoma Human Services settled a class-action lawsuit filed against its foster care system by a child advocacy group. As a result of this settlement, the agency created, and in SFY 2013 began to implement, the Oklahoma Pinnacle Plan which was a measurable plan to improve the foster care system. Three out-of-state child welfare experts, referred to as "co-neutrals," issue reports every six months on Oklahoma Human Services’ progress and determine whether the agency has made good faith efforts to make improvements in the state's foster care system. This latest report covers July 1 through Dec. 31, 2022, and represents returned reporting on seven COVID-impacted performance measures. During the last reporting period, the Co-Neutrals’ found the agency had achieved substantial and sustained progress toward the 23 Performance Area Measures not impacted by COVID and dismissed the agency from those measures for all future reports. However, the agency remains committed to report publicly on its performance. The 20 co-neutral commentaries along with the agency’s reports can be found on the Oklahoma Human Services website.

About Oklahoma Human Services

Oklahoma Human Services offers help and hope to more than a million Oklahomans each year through a wide range of services and support that promote their safety, independence and wellbeing. Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.