COVID-19 Update
It's hard to believe it's September, and we're about to bid adieu to yet another season affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As we head into fall, talk has turned to flu season and the election, and how each will be affected by the pandemic. We've got some information on both below. Despite Coronavirus, we wish you an enjoyable, socially distanced Labor Day weekend and share some guidelines for celebrating safely from UC Davis Health.
Good news from COA
  • Working with restaurant partners LaRosa's, Taste of Belgium, Chef Anthony Jordan, La Soupe, C&M BBQ Grille and Frisch's, we've hit the milestone of more than 22,700 comfort meals delivered to older adults living in low-income senior apartment buildings in our region!
  • COA is the recipient of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging's Aging Innovations Award for our work to educate the business community about the value of their local Area Agency on Aging. This work included our Care Census - a survey to help local businesses better understand the prevalence and impact of caregiving on their workforce - and a powerful video series featuring several local working caregivers.
  • We continue to help caregivers and older adults in our region navigate the challenging circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Here, you can read a story about a local working caregiver who had to drop everything when her mother's adult day center closed, and how COA helped her through this difficult time.
Help local researchers study attitudes about COVID-19
To provide better information and resources to the general public about COVID-19 and personal safety, the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital are seeking people to participate in an online survey. Please take a moment to complete the survey. More info and survey link are located here.
Own Your Future starts soon... register today!
Our popular workshop series begins in just a few weeks, so don't forget to register ASAP. This year, the program is online, so you can participate from the comfort of your home! With 70 percent of us needing long-term care at some point, it's well worth your while to join us as expert speakers cover topics such as estate planning, legal issues, strategies for paying for care and long-term care choices. Workshops are 5-7:30 pm, three consecutive Wednesdays beginning on September 16. Register today!
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program continues to accept applications
Low-income seniors in our service area may still apply for this program, which provides access to farm-fresh produce, through September 18. Those who qualify receive $50 worth of coupons to spend in participating farmers' markets through October 31, 2020. All the details and an online application are available here.
COVID-19 and senior health and wellness
News to know right now
Get your flu shot!
Flu season is approaching, and with it occurring during the COVID pandemic, officials say it's more important than ever to get the flu vaccine. So many of our country's healthcare resources are being used to treat patients with COVID-19, that reducing your chances of catching the flu and needing medical treatment for it will help conserve already limited resources. The vaccine is now widely available through physicians and pharmacies. See the CDC's flu FAQs for the 2020-21 season for more.
Ohio's general election is November 3. Are you ready?
We are only about two months away from November's general election. Despite the COVID pandemic, Ohio will continue to offer in-person voting - both ahead of and on election day. Voting by mail is also an option in the state. But you can't vote unless you are registered (more than 110,000 eligible Ohioans aren't registered)! Check out COA's voter resource guide, which has all the information southwestern Ohio residents need to understand how to register, and how and when to vote.
Flashing yellow left arrow makes its debut in Butler County
If you ever travel State Route 747 in Butler County, you may encounter a new kind of traffic light designed to reduce left-turn crashes and minimize delays: a flashing yellow left arrow! It's important to know to YIELD then TURN at one. A video and info about how the arrow works are on the Ohio Department of Transportation website.
Have you responded to the 2020 Census?
If not, you only have until September 30 to do so. The results of the Census determine the number of seats for each state in the U.S. House of Representatives and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. Federal agencies use the results to distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds each year. If you can't find your Census ID from the mailer you received earlier this year, no problem. You can still complete your Census here. It only takes five minutes!
COVID-19 resources from COA
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!