Bergen County Public Hearing on the Needs of Older Adults To Be Held on May 12th

Hackensack, N.J. — Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Board of Commissions are joining with the Division of Senior Services to invite Bergen County older adults, caregivers, senior advocacy groups, service providers and the general public to participate in the annual Public Hearing on the Needs of Older Adults at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 12^th in the Commissioner’s public meeting room on the 5th floor of the County Administrative Building located at One Bergen County Plaza.

“A public hearing on the needs of older adults is a great way to kick off Older Americans Month which is observed every May,” said Bergen County Executive Tedesco. “It’s important to make sure that vital programs like Meals on Wheels, Senior Activity Centers, SHIP Medicare Counseling, Care Management and other programs remain strong and available for Bergen County’s 220,000 older adults and their caregivers.  I encourage as many residents as possible to join us on May 12th so the voices of our older adults and their caregivers are heard.”

“We’ve worked hard to put together, and in many cases enhance programs and services for Bergen County seniors,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Tracy Zur. “This public hearing will allow us to both highlight what’s available, but also gather critical feedback from the users of these services in order to improve, and maximize the effectiveness of these programs.”

As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Bergen County, the Division of Senior Services receives funding through the federal Older American’s Act for the planning and coordination of services for adults age 60 and older living in Bergen County.  The purpose of the public hearing is to give older adults, and the people and organizations that support them, the opportunity to have a say in how these funds will be used to develop a comprehensive and coordinated network of services.

Those desiring to share comments at the hearing can call the Division of Senior Services at 201-336-7446. Verbal testimony will be limited to 5 minutes.  To submit written comments to be read at the public hearing, please call 201-336-7446 or email lsthelaire@co.bergen.nj.us.  The final date for written comments to be received by the Division of Senior Services is May 11^th.  Members of the public can also submit written testimony in person at the public hearing.

Anyone having special needs can call 201-336-7446 at least one week in advance to arrange for appropriate accommodations.  ASL interpreters, Assistive Listening Devices, and CART Services will be available.

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