||| FROM TOM EVERSOLE for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||
Vulnerable populations, including island seniors, are at increased risk in an emergency or disaster. An ordinary inconvenience (e.g., power outage) can constitute an emergency for a senior dependent upon electric medical equipment. In 2018, Orcas Senior Center (OSC) conducted an educational initiative for “Senior Preparedness” in coordination with the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management’s established response plans. With a commercial kitchen and emergency power, the OSC building is equipped to serve as an emergency facility in a community disaster.
At the beginning of COVID-19 isolation, OSC contacted all registered voters aged 65 and older to assess their need for support. OSC’s Companion Services responded by working with the County’s Vulnerable Population Program and providing referrals as necessary.
This ends our series. The challenges to healthy aging outlined await all of us living on Orcas Island, and Orcas Senior Center is working hard with community support to proactively address them. To learn more, go to www.orcasseniors.org.
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Thank you, Tom, for reminding us of all that the Senior Center does to help this community!