SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Summit County Council recently passed a resolution declaring June 15, 2021, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The resolution asks the residents of Summit County to participate in events and programs offered throughout the community that seek to raise awareness of the abuse of older persons.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day was started on June 15, 2006, by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse to raise awareness and spotlight the resources available to vulnerable older adults. In 2012, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 215, officially naming June 15 of each year as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Administration for Community Living estimates as many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year, yet only 1 in 4 cases are reported to authorities.
“Every person has a right to live safely and with dignity. On Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I am asking all Summit County residents to take a moment to educate themselves about how they can help protect our older adults,” said Executive Shapiro. “My hope is that by raising awareness we will prevent the abuse of even one Summit County older adult. If you are concerned about the health and safety of an older adult, please contact my Adult Protective Services team or law enforcement immediately.”
In Summit County, Executive Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services administers the Adult Protective Services (APS) program. This state-mandated program is charged with investigating suspected cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults ages 60 and over. Each year, the APS unit receives and investigates thousands of reported cases of elder abuse, and works with several community partners to keep older adults safe and healthy. To report a suspected case of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, please call the Adult Protective Services hotline, available 24/7, at 330-643-7217. Anonymous reports are accepted.
Executive Shapiro and County Council also recognized June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in honor of the 6.2 million Americans and 220,000 Ohioans living with the disease. The resolution stressed the importance of recognizing the stories, strengths, and efforts of the individuals, families, friends, and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the tireless work of the researchers who are seeking a cause and cure.
“Too many of us have a family member or friend who is suffering from the terrible effects of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Executive Shapiro. “The toll this disease takes on individuals diagnosed with it and their caretakers is immeasurable. We must support continued research and commit ourselves to finding a way to stop, slow, and hopefully, prevent Alzheimer’s.”
To learn more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, please visit https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp.