LANSING, Mich., May 19, 2020 — Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) has been appointed to Oakland County’s new task force on COVID-19’s Impact on Seniors’ Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Health. The taskforce, whose members were appointed by a resolution of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners at the Board’s meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2020, will meet to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on one of the most susceptible populations in the county.
“Our seniors – both those residing in long-term care facilities and those living independently – represent one of the most at-risk segments of our community. The disproportionate impact of this disease on older age groups is undisputed and highly troubling,” Manoogian said. “But in addition to the physical health of our seniors, we need to be aware of the crippling effects isolation from friends, spouses, children, and grandchildren can have and is having on these folks.”
“As we look to the horizon to investigate opening our county back up, we have to be honest that populations like this may be isolated for longer than younger folks with lower co-morbidities. I look forward to working with this group to envision a future for our seniors where we provide reliable and inventive ways of mitigating the physical and emotional strains they’re being placed under.”
The taskforce, which includes members of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, also incorporates members of the County Health and Human Services Department, long-term care facilities, and minority groups, among others. The group will be chaired by Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).
“State Rep. Mari Manoogian has been a tireless advocate for our senior community, and she brings perspective and resources that will help us quickly improve the health of one of our most vulnerable populations during this pandemic,” Commissioner Nelson said. “Moving forward, we need creative solutions to keep seniors connected to their loved ones and critical services, and we look forward to receiving Rep. Manoogian’s input on how to get that done.”
The task force’s first meeting will be on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Members of the public can participate by dialing in by telephone at +1(872) 240-3311 (access code 271-151-061).
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