Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114242

Cassandra Ritas, MPP, State Senator Liz Krueger, 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1300, New york, NY 10017, 212-744-7664, critas@earthlink.net and Dana Popovic, MSW, Social Work Intern, State Senator Liz Krueger, 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1300, New York, NY 10017.

In New York State senior citizens face multiple challenges to well-being. Public policies can either support or undermine senior well-being. This presentation describes one intervention – beginning with research involving seniors in a state senate district and leading to the creation of a Senior Advisory Board – that attempts to contribute to senior well-being on both individual and population levels and to connect the dots between community and policy. The senior project was envisioned and implemented by Hunter College School of Social Work graduate students working with New York State Senator Liz Krueger, a progressive democrat representing a Manhattan district with a large aging population (14% over the age of 65). Seniors participating in initial focus groups suggested the Senator develop a standing body to give her ongoing feedback about issues in her community and to assist in the development of more senior friendly public policy. The Senior Advisory Board, established in November 2004, has developed a mission, connected members with similar interests to work on issues, and learned about the workings of state government. The board is currently creating the capacity to conduct research on issues of importance by partnering with local research institutions, preparing an advocacy agenda that extends beyond the Senator, and developing leadership to participate in policymaking. Through the example of this project we seek to reinforce the argument for community-based policymaking and to put forth a model for community outreach to vulnerable populations by their elected representatives.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to

• Articulate the value of regular public input into policymaking to elected officials
• Describe a model for community-based policy making
• Identify challenges to community-based policymaking and some strategies to meet those challenges.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation