TITLE
Title
PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING JUNE 2024 AS ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Kay Cashion
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PROCLAMATION
Proclamation
Whereas, older adults in Guilford County deserve to be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers, and vital members of our community; and
Whereas, elder abuse takes many forms, including financial, emotional, physical, sexual, and intimate partner violence in later life. It often comes in the form of neglect, abandonment, or exploitation; and
Whereas, nationally, it is estimated that 1 in 10 elderly Americans are abused. Many suffer in silence as cases are under-reported and resources are scarce; and
Whereas, nearly 16% of Guilford County’s population is aged 65 and older. And in the United States, it is projected that in 2035 there will be more adults 65 and older than children under 18; and
Whereas, in 2023, DHHS Adult Protective Services received over 1,280 reports of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and the Family Justice Center served 1,600 adults who indicated elder abuse as a primary concern; and
Whereas, through partnership, DHHS Aging and Adult Services, Emergency Management Services, and the Family Justice Center worked to establish the Adult Resource Team, known as ART, to address the needs of vulnerable adults seeking emergency services more efficiently and collaboratively; and
Whereas, the Guilford County Family Justice Center’s Elder Justice Committee brings together a multitude of agencies who work collaboratively to provide education, resources, and response to elder abuse, which includes professionals from the Department of Health and Human Services, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Family Service of the Piedmont, Emergency Management Services, Senior Resources of Guilford, Well Spring Solutions, Corporation of Guardianship, Piedmont Triad Regional Council, District Attorney’s Office, Elon Law, and Legal Aid.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners supports elder justice initiatives that prevent and respond to elder abuse. We hereby proclaim June 2024 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Guilford County and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate older adults and their ongoing contributions to the success and vitality of our county.
Adopted this the 20th day of June 2024.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve proclamation celebrating June 2024 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
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