San Rafael, CA - In honor of Marin County’s older adults and in observance of national Older Americans Month, the Marin County Commission on Aging will present a free webinar addressing the power of connection in supporting older adults’ health and well-being. “Is There a Doctor in the House? Telehealth & Bridging the Digital Divide” will be held on Thursday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom.
- Adriana Myers, vice president for health at Donisi Health, a global company at the forefront of contact-free health monitoring, will discuss the emerging role of telehealth and what it will look like in the future.
- Jose A. Chibras, chief medical officer at Marin Community Clinics, will explain the rewards and challenges of providing virtual care to patients. Dennis Rodoni, District 4 county supervisor and president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, will emphasize the need to address the challenges and inequities the digital divide has created in Marin, especially in terms of access to health care.
- Benita McLarin, director of Marin County’s Health and Human Services Department, will share virtual strategies the County has deployed to ensure delivery of vital services during COVID-19.
- Liza Massey, Marin County’s chief information officer, will give an update on “Digital Marin,” a project that’s already starting to bridge the county’s digital divide.
Register online or email for more information.
“In keeping with the Older Americans Month theme of ‘Communities of Strength,’ this health forum will address two intersecting topics of major importance to older adults that have been magnified during the pandemic,” said Ralph Marchese, chair of the Marin County Commission on Aging. “While telehealth is helping more older adults get care, the digital divide is preventing many vulnerable older adults from accessing such care. This timely health forum is a must for older adults, their family members and caregivers to help understand how to navigate the changing health care landscape for older adults.”
Every year in May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2021 is "Communities of Strength,” celebrating the vitality of older adults with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities. ACL was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. Among other functions, ACL administers federal Older Americans Act funding to support older adults on the local level.
The Marin County Commission on Aging is a federally mandated advisory council. The mission of the Commission is to promote the dignity, independence and quality of life of older persons through advocacy, information, programs and services.