Older Americans Month 2021 Proclamation
Whereas, May is recognized nationally as Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is Communities of Strength; and
Whereas, May is also Adult Abuse Prevention Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
Whereas, in Fairfax County, while recognizing the vitality of the county’s older adults, we also recognize that vulnerable older adults need protection from physical, mental, and financial abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Whereas, during fiscal year 2020, Fairfax County APS received 3,094 reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation, a nearly 15 percent increase from the previous year; and
Whereas, older adults have also been the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which led to significant increases in social isolation and loneliness for older adults, which we are working to reduce with initiatives in the Older Adults COVID-19 Response Plan; and
Whereas, we can protect the safety of older adults through the Adult Protective Services hotline, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Silver Shield and more; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim
May 2021 as Older Americans Month in Fairfax County
and urges all residents to recognize older adults and the people who support them as essential contributors to the strength of our community.
Check out the proclamation video of Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity proclaiming May 2021 Older Americans Month and, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Adult Abuse Prevention Month and Michael Perel, Vice Chair, Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, received the proclamation.
Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services Older Adults.
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Check out articles about the strong, talented and wise older residents of Fairfax County and learn about the myriad resources available for older adults and caregivers in the free Golden Gazette newsletter. Access and share the articles online or subscribe to have the printed edition delivered to your home.
