Phase 1B of Ohio's vaccination program began this week, with an age-based tiered approach to vaccine eligibility for older adults.

While Council on Aging is not distributing vaccines, or registering people to get vaccines, we are helping older adults connect to the latest information and resources regarding vaccine availability in their community.

Information is changing rapidly, but we are striving to collect and make available the most current information. Our call center is open 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday at (513) 721-1025 to help older adults understand when they may be eligible and where they may be able to make an appointment for a vaccination. We also have up-to-date information on our website.

More than 50 years ago, Council on Aging founders were motivated by a concern that the needs of older adults were not getting the public attention or funding they deserved. They were determined to make things better, advocating for housing, food and legal rights for older adults. So, in late 1971, Council on Aging of the Cincinnati Area was incorporated as a non-profit serving Boone and Campbell counties in Kentucky and Clermont and Hamilton counties in Ohio. Click here for an illustration of COA's 50-year journey. We hope you'll join us this year as we celebrate 50 years of service to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and memories of COA on our social media sites using #COA50years. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Join us this spring as a sponsor of our first-ever virtual conference! As a sponsor, hundreds of area aging and disability network professionals will learn about your organization’s products and services. Visit our website to review the variety of sponsorship opportunities available, or contact Amy Leonhardt at aleonhardt@help4seniors.org

After several years of success helping older adults in Clinton and Hamilton counties transition from hospitals and nursing homes to smooth recoveries at home, the FastTrack Home program is now available as a pilot in Warren County. FastTrack Home sets up temporary, supportive services such as home-delivered meals, homemaking assistance and medical transportation for when the older adult arrives home. The services support recovery and help prevent unnecessary return visits to the hospital or nursing home. Learn more.

Question: What do 30,000 rolls of toilet paper, 22,500 tubes of toothpaste and 7,600 bottles of hand sanitizer have in common?

Answer: These – and thousands more personal care and cleaning items – were included in more than 7,600 boxes recently assembled and distributed to Council on Aging clients.

Read the full story.

It's cold out there! Most of us are able to take refuge in a warm home. But for some seniors, it's nearly impossible to afford their winter heating bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help those who qualify to avoid disconnection or may assist with paying heating bills. HEAP is currently accepting applications. Get details.

Are you a Hamilton County senior struggling to afford food, healthcare or prescription medication? Pro Seniors can help you identify certain government benefit programs for which you are eligible and that may help you pay for some of these items. More information.

This week's Medicare Moment show on WMKV 89.3 FM will feature special guest Webster Phillips, from the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Phillips will answer caller questions about a wide range of Social Security topics during the show on Thursday, January 21 from 2-3 pm. Listeners with questions are encouraged to call (513) 772-9658 or (877) 772-9658 (toll-free) during the show.