FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2022
Contact: Kent Olden | kolden@hfwcny.org | 716-852-3030 ext. 109
(BUFFALO, NY) The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York will partner with the Jewish Federations of North America’s Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma on a webinar to explore best practices in incorporating trauma-informed principles in the care of older adults. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 31, from 10 am – 11:15 am.
The event will mark the conclusion of both Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month by providing a forum to highlight these issues. The webinar will also include the opportunity for attending organizations that serve older adults in western and central New York to respond to JFNA’s presentation and share what they see as the greatest needs in these areas. Register for the webinar here.
According to a study from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs*, as many as 90 percent of older adults have experienced trauma in their lifetimes. An individual’s trauma exposure is linked to their likelihood of developing a wide range of conditions that can negatively impact their health. Older adult trauma survivors are especially vulnerable as their trauma history can result in high rates of physical, mental, and cognitive decline.
Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care is a holistic approach to care that infuses knowledge of trauma into programs and procedures to promote the mental health, physical health, and overall well-being of clients. This approach can help mitigate the impact of trauma on older adults. Learn more from JFNA here.
“With the incidence of trauma both prevalent and damaging, we are proud to spearhead the person-centered, trauma-informed approach to care,” said Shelley Rood Wernick, Managing Director of Jewish Federations’ Center on Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma. “We envision PCTI care as the universal strategy for serving all older adults and thank the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York for bringing us closer to that reality.”
“Trauma-informed care for older adults is an issue that is more important than ever—especially as we continue to witness the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant number of older adults are facing mental and emotional health issues and social isolation, and it is critical that the care they receive reflects best practices in addressing this trauma,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with JFNA and learn from their expertise, and to hear from community service providers on the front lines of these issues.”
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. Our 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.
ABOUT THE JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are the backbone of the organized Jewish community in the U.S. and Canada, representing over 300 Jewish communities. They raise and distribute more than $2 billion annually and through planned giving and endowment programs to support Jewish communities domestically and in Israel.
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