Digital Equity Grant
UCOA assisted in the completion and submission of a substantial grant with several partners as part of a competitive federal funding opportunity for state collaboratives to expand access to technology by providing devices and education on their use as well as navigation assistance to reach important services including telehealth. UCOA is an anchor partner in the design of the UDON (Utah Development Opportunity Network) and is the go to organization representing a priority target, older adults. We anticipate award announcements by mid-November.
OAA Training - "Creating a Workforce that Values Aging”
Executive Director Ence participated in a training session with three other leaders from SL Co Aging, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS/DHHS), and AARP. The training was for all the area agency teams across the state on annual Older Americans Act requirements with a focus in this session on workforce and economics of Utah’s older adults and how to address the impact of ageism in our society and businesses. 200+ attendees in person and streaming.
UtahAging.org
New blogs posted and additional assets added to the lifelong learning section. Media asset additions to the linked YouTube channel on the recent fraud conference and UCOA quarterly meeting materials. The falls prevention resources were updated in harmony with falls prevention week recognized by proclamation from Gov. Cox.
Master Plan on Aging (MPA)
Representatives from Utah attending the national conference to ensure Utah’s family caregiver plan moves forward with state and national priorities that are to be reflected in the MPA. Executive Director Ence working with DAAS/DHHS leadership and Gov. Cox’ office as they shape a ten-year services plan for DAAS that will complement and sync within the MPA priorities.
UCOA Business
The next quarterly meeting will be Thursday, November 7 at Noon via Zoom. New appointments will be announced from recent changes including the appointment as higher education representative, Tim Farrell, MD from the University of Utah Division of Geriatrics. Dr. Farrell's work on adult literacy and age friendly environments in health and education are embedded in UCOA’s MPA efforts. He replaces Dr. Mark Supiano who has been a champion and leader for UCOA since 2005. We appreciate his years of consistent support and counsel, and wish him the very best in his current career transition.