NCSTHL Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2-3, 2018 - By Connie Southard
NCSTHL marks 25 years advocating for North Carolina Senior Citizens...
The Seventy Fifth Session of the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature marked 25 years advocating for North Carolina Senior Citizens. The Delegates and Alternates, in addition to meeting business, celebrated the Silver Anniversary the evening of October 2 with a reception. Former Speakers were recognized. Two charter members, Macon County Delegate Dorothy Crawford and Avery County Delegate Rachel Deal, were presented plaques in recognition and for service.
At 1:00 PM Tuesday the Issues Committee met to review and discuss all proposed resolutions. Those six committees are: Long Term Care, General Legislation, Health, Enrichment Opportunities, Crime/Safety/Security and Service Access. At 3:00 PM Speaker, Rev. Dwight Cartner called the General Session to order with determination of a quorum, 76 Delegates and 41 Alternates, was present. Also, 21 Guests were present. First Order of Business was presentation and administration of oath to Bertie County newly appointed Delegate, Patricia Pugh-Wynn and Alternate, Constance Richardson.
A trip down memory lane of 25 years of advocating was presented by Mary Edwards, DHHS Staff. Ballots for final vote to select the five 2019 priority resolutions were given to Delegates. After voting was completed session was adjourned. The 25th Anniversary Celebration began at 5:30 PM.
The Wednesday morning session convened with a quorum of 60 Delegates, 26 Alternates and 13 guests as verified by the Credentials Committee. Bill Mueller, Resolutions Committee Chair, announced the results of previous day’s votes. Those were: 1. Increase funding for HCCBG – provides home and community-based services to the elderly, 2. Maintain and Increase Funding for Senior Centers – provides programs and services to enhance the health and wellness of older adults, 3. Increase funding for Project C.A.R.E. – funds Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia caregivers respite support, 4. Strengthen and Fund North Carolina’s Adult Protective Services Program (APS) – provides service to vulnerable and older adults who are at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation and 5. Staff-to-Patient Ratios in Nursing Homes – maintain Nursing Home Staff at required ratio.
Alicia Blater, Dementia Services Coordinator, NC Lifespan Respite Project Coordinator, DAAS explained the structure of a Dementia Friendly Community and a Dementia Friendly Hospital. Kristel Robison, Research Associate, UNC Highway Safety Research Center addressed issues concerning older adults driving.
After a brief report on SHIIP, Kaye White gave FRIENDS report. This was followed by Announcements and other business. Speaker Carter adjourned the October 2018 Session.
The NCSTHL promotes citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues before the NC General Assembly as well as assesses the legislative needs of older adults by convening a forum modeled after the North Carolina General Assembly. Please feel free to contact your local delegate or your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). You can also visit our website at: http://www.ncsthl.org as well as our Facebook Page.
To download the October 2018 Press Release Document - Click Here.