COA and COVID-19 Update February 2021

COA helps older adults access COVID-19 vaccine While COA is not a COVID-19 vaccine provider, we are working every day to help older adults in our region get vaccinated. In addition to helping older adults find vaccine providers, we are providing transportation to vaccine appointments for those 60 and older who need it. For information on all the ways we are helping older adults access vaccines and how to access our services, click here. Locate a vaccine provider in your area using the Ohio Department of Health database

COA, National Guard partner to vaccinate at-risk older adults in senior apartment buildings In addition to our other efforts to help older adults access COVID-19 vaccines, COA recently provided logistical and onsite support for several vaccination clinics held at Hamilton County low-income senior apartment buildings. Read the story.

Virtual Forum on Aging: Register now! Plan to join us (in your favorite loungewear if you prefer!) for our first-ever virtual Forum on Aging. Registration is now open for the April 20 & 21 event. We have a great lineup of speakers and topics that will address current issues and trends that are creating challenges many of us have never experienced before. Attendees may earn three CEUs each day for a total of six. Click here for conference details and to register. 2021 Forum sponsorship opportunities still available It's not too late to become a Forum on Aging sponsor. Join us for our first virtual conference set for April 20 & 21. Sign up today for the best visibility to almost 500 professionals in the aging and disability field who attend the conference. Click here for more information or contact Amy Leonhardt at aleonhardt@help4seniors.org.

COA is hiring Care Managers If you’re a licensed social worker or registered nurse looking for a fulfilling and flexible career, a Care Manager position at Council on Aging might be a great fit for your talents. We currently have open Care Manager positions in several programs. If you're a recent college graduate, you could even qualify for a $1,500 sign-on bonus! Learn what it's like to work at COA, and review open positions, here.

More updates from COA... The critical home care workforce deserves recognition. If you have a home health aide who provides care for you, then you know their services can be invaluable. Unfortunately, challenges in the industry are jeopardizing the stability these aides provide to clients who want to stay in their homes. Click here to read more about this critical workforce. COA joined several other organizations in Clinton County on February 5 to distribute USDA Farmers to Families food boxes. While a number of county residents picked up boxes at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, COA staff delivered boxes to the homes of our clients outside of Wilmington, and Generations Pizzeria volunteered to deliver boxes to clients within the city. A total of 55 COA clients received food boxes that day. FastTrack Home is supporting older adults and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the program recently expanded to Warren County. Read the story.

COA in the news We're working hard to get the word out about COVID-19 vaccines for older adults! Below are links to the many appearances COA has made recently in the media. Council on Aging prepared to help seniors find nearest COVID-19 vaccine provider, WCPO-Channel 9, Jan. 21 Need help registering for COVID vaccine in Hamilton County? Dial 211, WCPO-Channel 9, Jan. 22 Greater Cincinnati organizations work to vaccinate 75 and above age group, WLWT-Channel 5, Jan. 25 Coffee Break with Katherine, Cincinnati.com, Jan. 28 Answering your questions about signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine, WVXU Radio, Feb. 1 DeWine: One-stop website for Ohio COVID-19 vaccine sign-ups will be in place by Feb. 14, WLWT-Channel 5, Feb. 4 What's the best strategy for seniors to get a vaccine appointment in Ohio?, WCPO-Channel 9, Feb. 8 Organization helping senior citizens get vaccinated, WXIX-Channel 19, Feb. 11 Hamilton County vaccinates seniors in care facilities, WLWT-Channel 5, Feb. 12

COA celebrates 50 years in 2021! 50th Fact: In the 1970s our Call Center was the “front door” to services and information for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and professionals. Today, we still assist the community with resources and information via our Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Learn more about ADRC. Follow along on Facebook as we share memories of our 50 years of service. Share your own COA memories on our page and tag them with #COA50years.

COVID-19 news & information

Upcoming town halls aim to combat vaccine misinformation The Ohio Department of Health has scheduled four virtual town hall events that will help various groups of Ohioans sort through COVID-19 vaccine myths and provide reliable information about the vaccine. The first town hall will stream on Monday, February 22 at 6:30 pm and is targeted to African American Ohioans. Subsequent town halls will address Hispanic/Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and rural Ohioans. Click here for details, dates and streaming links.

Look out for the latest COVID-19 vaccine scams Scammers cash in on COVID-19 vaccination confusion Warning: COVID-19 vaccine scams are clever and tenacious The Better Business Bureau is warning people not to post their COVID-19 vaccination card on social media

Our roundup of other recent pandemic-related headlines Gov. DeWine lifts Ohio's overnight curfew as virus hospitalizations trend downward New, daily Coronavirus cases drop below 100K for first time in months CDC: New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 Masks should fit better or be doubled up to protect against Coronavirus variants, CDC says COVID-19 vaccine rollout leaves most older adults confused about where to get shots When tech support is life or death: Family and strangers mobilize to get seniors vaccinated 'Cruel' digital race for vaccines leaves many seniors behind COVID-19 and the future of aging: What older workers need Black Americans are getting vaccinated at lower rates than white Americans COVID-19 vaccine: Don't miss second dose because of scheduling glitches

COVID-19 resources from COA Our website has information and resources for those who need help during this difficult time: Coronavirus and vaccine information Food pantry list Instructions for online grocery ordering and links to grocers List of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and others at risk Ideas for staying busy and engaged while at home Caring for someone with COVID-19 at home Mental health resources Avoiding Coronavirus scams Explaining Coronavirus to your children or grandchildren Clinton County COVID-19 Information Guide Resources for congregate settings

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio | Visit us today!

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