[288]EXPERT PANEL TO TAKE QUESTIONS ON SENIOR ISSUES FEB. 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2009
CONTACT: Judy Campbell, RN, PhD, RCCOA President
615-848-5729, jcampbell@mtsu.edu
Tim Spears, Forum Planner, Community Care of Rutherford Co.
tspears@rutherfordcounty.org
EDITORIAL CONTACT: John Lynch, 615-898-5591

EXPERT PANEL TO TAKE QUESTIONS ON SENIOR ISSUES FEB. 20
Addressing the needs of seniors to be topic of the forum

(MURFREESBORO)—A panel of community experts in various fields will take questions from the public at a forum to be held at noon, Feb. 20, at the St. Clair Senior Center, in Murfreesboro.
“Let’s Talk… Senior Issues” an open forum, will be presented by the Rutherford County Council on Aging. John Hood, former state representative and MTSU community liaison, will serve as the moderator. People are invited to attend and let their voices be heard regarding key changes they would like to see, and to seek clear answers about what is available for seniors.
“Addressing the needs of senior adults in our community is essential during this economic struggle. Many of our seniors can easily be placed in an at risk situation when the demands on their fixed incomes greatly increase,” said Dr. Judy Campbell, Council president and member of the MTSU School of Nursing faculty member.
She added, “We know that the National Council on Aging is working to add priorities to the national stimulus bill. We want to do whatever we can to help those seniors living in Rutherford County. I urge citizens to attend this forum and share concerns on how to help this important group.”
Tim Spears, program director for the Council and director of case management at Community Care of Rutherford County, said, “We hope this forum and the issues brought forth give us a means to better support the elderly community and offer education that is needed.”
“Let’s Talk… Senior Issues” will provide an arena for seniors and others to express concerns and request information. Future meetings of the Rutherford County Council on Aging will focus on those topics that require more in-depth discussion.
Panelists include Jeff Fryer representing Middle Tennessee Medical Center; Rachel Holder, United Way; Charles M. King, Community Care of Rutherford County; Marie Littrell, Parkview Meadows; Claudia Harris, A Place for Mom; Dee Brown, St. Clair Street Senior Center; Bob Nugent, Rover; Bob Buckman, Mid-Cumberland Transportation; Debbie Willis, Mid-Cumberland Meals-on-Wheels; Mary Beth Best, Medicare and Michele Fowler; Riverside Center of Stones River Hospital.

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