Health

County Aging Programs Earn Innovation Awards

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The County Health and Human Services Agency’s Aging and Independence Services (AIS) recently received national honors for two of its programs aimed at supporting older adults.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and the Legacy Corps program received Aging Innovations Awards from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The Innovation Award is the national association’s highest honor. The San Diego County programs were two of 13 Innovation Awards announced at the association’s recent national conference.

“The county is always looking for groundbreaking ways to serve its residents, and it’s great to be recognized for that,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors. “These two programs are especially important because they help our older residents and military families.”

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is an initiative led by Supervisor Greg Cox to assist grandparents and other relative caregivers who are raising younger family members. Workshops have been provided around the county, which include resource fairs, support groups and expert speakers. Legacy Corps provides support and respite for veteran and military families caring for a loved one.

“This award is great but what has really been rewarding is the impact we’ve had on countless grandparents who have suddenly found themselves responsible for raising their grandchildren,” Cox said. “We’ve reached out to them with seminars, a resource book and much-needed support and this national recognition lets us know we are making a difference.”

Both programs are part of Live Well San Diego, the County’s initiative to improve the health and safety of residents.

“These programs highlight the County’s commitment through Live Well San Diego to take fresh approaches in how we deliver services, and respond to the needs in our communities,” said Nick Macchione, Director of the Health and Human Services Agency.

AIS also received Achievement Awards for two other programs, the Care Transitions Partnership and the Beacon Care Transitions Pilot Program.

AIS is one of more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide that coordinate and support a wide range of home and community-based services, including elder abuse prevention, information and referral, care management, meal programs, transportation, employment services, health promotion, civic engagement and more. To contact AIS, call (800) 510-2020, or visit www.sandiego.networkofcare.org/aging

 

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact