From The Chair

The GH Section leadership has been busy on a number of fronts. First, we have been pursuing a change in our Section’s name. In May, GH Section members overwhelmingly approved (at 96 percent) a change in the section’s name, to be “Aging and Public Health.” The next step is to obtain APHA Executive Board approval for the name change, and this approval process is under way. We anticipate an approved name change by November’s Annual Meeting, and we hope you will be there to join us in celebrating our new name.

This year’s Annual Meeting will promote networking opportunities and will provide members with information on health care reform and long-term care. The Membership Committee is planning an “icebreaker” for students and new members prior to the Section’s business meeting on Sunday. Also, after the business meeting members can socialize at “topic tables” during dinner. These tables will focus on specific interests/themes and are aimed at encouraging networking and mentoring. Also, a funders’ roundtable session will allow GHS members to meet face-to-face with representatives from funding organizations to discuss funding priorities, and other related matters. As always, the Section will hold its reception and silent and live auction on Monday evening, after the award’s session.   

Three special symposia will occur at November’s Annual Meeting. In collaboration with the Disability Section leadership, Nancy Miller is planning a symposium with the theme of “looking ahead,” and focusing on action still needed 20 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gerry Eggert has organized a symposium on the CLASS Act, which was included in the recently passed health care reform legislation. Ms. Connie Garner, who was instrumental in designing the CLASS Act legislation, will speak at this symposium. Also, another session will focus on the Medicare reform that was included in the health care reform legislation. This symposium will include presentations on changes to Medicare Part D as well as on targeted cuts to Medicare programs.

As always, we are looking for volunteers to help with the Section’s efforts. Specifically, we are looking for someone who is willing to maintain the section’s website. Steven Wallace had chaired this effort for many years and is looking to step down. This doesn’t require a lot of time and could be fun for someone who likes being creative. Also, we need a volunteer to oversee the staffing of the Section’s booth at the Annual Meeting. Essentially, this volunteer would recruit members to staff the booth and ensure there is booth coverage. Additionally, we are looking for additional members for the Policy Committee, particularly persons who are interested in drafting “late breaker” policy (for APHA) relating long-term care and health care reform. Please e-mail me if you are interested in any of these volunteer activities.

I wish you a wonderful and healthy summer!