Keynote panel addresses "Coordinating Disaster Services for Older Persons"

Pictured L to R: Dr. Gilbert Ramirez, Jerry Rhodes, Dr. Elise Fullmer, Dr. Warren Eller, Dr. Michael Zakour

The Annual Summer Institute on Aging Conference featured a mid-week Keynote panel discussion addressing the important issue of “Coordinating Disaster Services for Older Persons.”  

The hazards discussed by the panel included comments by WV DHHR Center for Threat  Preparedness Director, Jerry Rhodes regarding the 2012 durecho, the blizzard following Hurricane Sandy, and the chemical spill which contaminated water supplies in southwestern West Virginia.  Dr. Zakour described the psychosocial and preparedness resource needs of older people during disasters.  Dr. Eller focused on the roles of organizations active in a disaster and the cooperation and coordination among disaster social service organizations serving older people.

The 36th Summer Institute on Aging - "Aging Without Limits" concluded last Thursday.  The conference was co-hosted by the WVU School of Social Work and the School of Public Health.