RESOLUTION NO. 220488

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Declaring June 15, 2022, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Kansas City, Missouri.

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WHEREAS, older adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and vital participating members of our communities; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, proclaimed a day to recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue; and

WHEREAS, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and Kansas City, Missouri, recognizes the importance of taking action to raise awareness, prevent and address elder abuse; and

WHEREAS, as our population lives longer, we are presented with an opportunity to think about our collective needs and future as a nation; and

WHEREAS, ageism and social isolation are major causes of elder abuse in the United States; and

WHEREAS, preventing abuse of older adults through maintaining and improving social supports like senior centers, human services and transportation will allow everyone to continue to live as independently as possible and contribute to the life and vibrancy of our communities; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby declare June 15, 2022, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, in Kansas City, Missouri; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Tina Uridge, Executive Director, Clay County Senior Services, James D. Stowe, PhD, Director, Aging & Adult Services, Mid-America Regional Council, and Debra L. Gwin, Executive Director, Platte County Senior Fund, with the Mayor and Council encouraging all of our communities to recognize and celebrate older adults and their ongoing contributions to the success and vitality of our country.

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