AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH AMID COVID-19’S “DARKEST HOUR,”
LEADINGAGE NEW JERSEY & DELAWARE CALLS THE PEOPLE OF NEW JERSEY TO DO THEIR PART TO PROTECT OLDER ADULTS

Nationwide letter sent on behalf of aging services providers asks: “As COVID-19 surges, would you want your grandmother or grandfather to be exposed to the virus?” 

Contact: Jim McCracken, President & CEO, LeadingAge NJ & DE
973-580-1421 or JMcCracken@leadingagenjde.org

November 25, 2020, Trenton— LeadingAge NJ & DE joined a plea to every citizen in New Jersey today, as part of a nationwide letter underscoring what everyone can do to protect the older adults they love from COVID-19. The pandemic has killed more than 170,000 people 65 and older, and is surging rapidly in New Jersey.

“The worst pandemic in a century has now reached its darkest hour,” the letter says, which was signed by Jim McCracken, CEO of LeadingAge NJ & DE. The New Jersey organization joined with other state partners of LeadingAge, a national organization that represents more than 5,000 aging-focused organizations helping millions of older adults every day.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, nursing homes and other care providers across New Jersey are calling on everyone to do their part,” said Jim McCracken.  “What we all do now will determine if we protect or endanger the lives of older Americans.”

The letter includes a reminder about the CDC’s guidance on masks, social distancing and handwashing.

“We fully understand that some people may not like these steps,” the letter adds. “But please ask yourself: as COVID-19 surges, would you want your grandmother or grandfather to be exposed to the virus?”

The full text of today’s open letter is available here.

About LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware: We are the association of not-for-profit senior care organizations and are dedicated to advancing quality aging services in New Jersey and Delaware through advocacy, education and fellowship. Together with our national partner, LeadingAge, we advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age. For more, visit: www.leadingagenjde.org.