COVID-19 Update
Mask on? If not, there are now fewer public places to visit. Support for mask wearing is growing nationwide, from large national retailers requiring masks in their stores, to various states, counties and local municipalities that now require them to be worn in public. Wearing a mask in public helps protect others - and yourself - from contracting Coronavirus. See the section on masks below for the latest information about mask wearing and requirements.
COA at work and in the news
  • We have expanded our partnership with local restaurants to bring comfort meals to older adults living in low-income apartment communities. The project started with LaRosa’s and expanded to include Taste of Belgium and Frisch’s. In the last two weeks, we’ve added two small African-American owned restaurants to the project: C&M BBQ Grille and Chef Anthony Jordan. La Soupe, a local commissary whose mission is to rescue food, transform it into healthy meals and share it with those in need, came into the fold last week. Through these partnerships and with support from our provider network, we’ve delivered more than 11,000 meals to older adults who’ve been stuck at home during this pandemic.
  • We recently mailed more than 10,000 masks and Coronavirus education materials to clients. This is in addition to the more than 8,000 masks we previously provided to older adults living in senior apartment buildings in our service area.
  • COA's work to keep seniors safe and fed during the pandemic was featured in both Venue Magazine and Cincinnati Magazine.
Senior Farmers' Market Program news
  • The response to the launch of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program in our service area has been excellent, and there's still time for low-income seniors to apply for 2020. Our website has all of the information needed to understand and apply for the program.
  • The first mailing of coupons went out last week to anyone who applied by July 9. Those who apply after July 9 should expect to receive their coupons about two weeks after applying, if they qualify for the program.
  • We are seeking additional farmers' markets or farm stands in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties to participate in the program. We provide training and support and will promote your business to seniors in the program! If interested, contact Jennifer at (513) 814-4226 or farmersmarket@help4seniors.org.
COVID-19: Scammers working overtime to steal Medicare numbers during pandemic
By Anne Fredrickson, Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol

With the emergence of COVID-19 and all the terrible repercussions related to the pandemic, you might think that scammers would take a break. But that has not been the case. The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol Project (SMP) at Pro Seniors continues to see scams, fraud and abuse in the Medicare program. Read the full story.
Health and wellness workshop registration now open
Our schedule of FREE online- and phone-based health and wellness workshops for the coming months is now available on our website, and registration is open! Workshops help people learn to better manage the effects and impact of many chronic health conditions, including diabetes and chronic pain. Reserve your spot today!
Free food box distribution event coming soon
Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio has organized a drive-through distribution of 1,400 boxes of food on Monday, July 27, 1-4 pm (or while supplies last). The event will happen rain or shine at Xavier University, 3800 Victory Pkwy., Cincinnati (enter from Dana Ave.). No ID or proof of income is required. For more information, contact April at ahoak@ccswoh.org or ( 513) 672-3720.
Senior-specific pandemic concerns
As part of the high-risk category for COVID-19 complications and death, older adults have dealt with some different concerns than others. Here are some senior-specific updates related to the pandemic.

Mask news and information
As many areas of the country continue to experience rapid increases in COVID-19 cases after widespread economic re-opening, masks and face coverings are being required in more and more public places.

In Ohio, as of July 16, 19 counties were classified in Level 3 (red), meaning masks are required to be worn in public by all those in these counties. See the current map here.

Here's more on the subject:

Nursing home updates
And now for some good news...
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!