The Area Agency on Aging District 7 recently conducted a workshop at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A) 26th National Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The presenters were as follows: Raymond Matura, Professor of Sociology, University of Rio Grande/Educational Consultant for the Area Agency; Pamela Matura, Executive Director of the Area Agency; Nina Keller, Assistant Director/Director of Planning Contracting Division for the Area Agency; Keith Mueller, Professor and Director, Nebraska Center for Rural Health Research, Omaha, NE; Marcus Molea, Chief of Planning, Development & Education, Ohio Department of Aging; Robert O’Connell, Regional Administrator, U.S. Administration on Aging, Boston, MA; and Carol O’Shaughnessy, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

This workshop featured a discussion of urban/rural funding issues relative to the Older Americans Act. Recent national data collected by the Area Agency on Aging was presented focusing on alternatives, strategies, and advocacy plans to improve access to service in rural areas. The session was developed from a recently formed rural interest group, whose goal is to identify and bring attention to rural issues.

The session was particularly significant given the fact the most recent Older Americans Act, November 2000, references "rural" over 27 times compared to once in the previous Act. Nearly 30 percent of the nation’s elderly live in rural areas, but they receive less than 15 percent of the funds. N4A’s rural interest group, recently formed and chaired by Pamela K. Matura, has advocated for these changes. Federal government officials present commended this group’s efforts and called for further development and policy suggestions to lessen discrepancies.

If rural individuals do not advocate for themselves, there is little hope for change. This workshop was at the "cutting edge" of a number of issues and the efforts must be continued.

For additional information call the Area Agency on Aging District 7 at 1-800-582-7277 or (740) 245-5306.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7 serves the following ten counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Services are rendered on a non-discriminatory basis.