Health Foundation for Western & Central New York President Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive order for a state Master Plan for Aging.
“Thank you to Gov. Hochul for today’s signing of an executive order that solidifies the state’s commitment to a comprehensive Master Plan for Aging in New York State. This is a landmark moment for New York’s older adults and all people who value healthy aging across the state.
We thank Gov. Hochul and her team for helping to ensure that, at every stage of the plan’s implementation, the needs of New York’s older adults and the people who care for them are the top priority, and that this plan is a transparent and measurable process driven by the principles of health equity and healthy aging.
The Health Foundation has advocated for New York to take this important step since 2021, when we were the first organization in the state to call for such a plan. Since then, we have been proud to help steward an independent, diverse coalition of nonprofit organizations and advocates—the NYS Master Plan for Aging Coalition—who collaborate to provide insight and recommendations that can help ensure the state’s plan is inclusive, accountable, and community focused.
We look forward to continuing to participate in this important work, and we stand ready and willing to partner on the development and implementation of the Master Plan for Aging. By prioritizing the input of those who are closest to these issues, New York can proudly implement a plan that has the greatest possible long-term impact on the ability of all people to thrive at any age.”
ABOUT THE HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN & CENTRAL NEW YORK
The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care for the people and communities of western and central New York. The Health Foundation’s vision is a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. For more information, please visit www.hfwcny.org.
