Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 07/02/2009

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Terry Menshek - (707) 565-3098 Media Spokesperson, Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Brady

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

ELDER PROTECTION SUMMIT HELD IN OAKMONT

Over 200 people attended an Elder Protection Summit in Oakmont held on Tuesday to learn ways to prevent becoming a victim of elder abuse. Oakmont Community Church hosted the Summit in partnership with District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua, Adult Protective Services, Santa Rosa Police Department, Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association, CAHSAH, Commission on Human Rights, Council on Aging, Elder Financial Protection network and Senior Advocacy Services. The purpose of the Summit was to raise public awareness about elder protection issues. The “Senior” population in Sonoma County consists of over 90,000 residents age 60 and over and represents approximately 18 percent of the population.

Earla Snow, Elder at Oakmont Community Church stated “We are thrilled to host this event, which is so important to seniors in our community. We certainly appreciate the leadership of our District Attorney in partnering with us and making this event a reality.”

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua stated “Our seniors are vulnerable and it is critical that in their twilight years we protect them. During these difficult economic times, elder abuse can become more prevalent, and the Summit addressed issues for their protection. Prevention & community involvement are ways to reduce the financial, physical, and emotional abuse of the elderly.

Supervisor Valerie Brown was on hand to support the efforts of the Summit participants and said: “Providing a forum for our senior residents to learn and explore ways of avoiding fraud and abuse was powerful. The event was well-attended and we all left better prepared to help ourselves, our friends and our families.”

Robert Blancato, the National Coordinator to the Elder Justice Coalition, was the keynote speaker for the lunch. Mr. Blancato stated: “As Congress has previously been committed to providing funding for child abuse and family violence, it is now time for Congress to be committed to elder abuse. The Elder Justice Act, which is pending in Congress, will provide needed funding through block grants for Adult Protective Services to do investigations in this important area.”

Other speakers and panel participants included representatives from each of the partnering groups. Dr. Diana Koin, who specializes in geriatric medicine gave a presentation on neglect, and the physical and psychological aspects of elder abuse. Mike Leonard, retired Sonoma County Sheriff’s Detective and Chief Security Officer at Exchange Bank gave a presentation on scams and schemes regarding financial exploitation of the elderly. Judy Rice, with the Commission on Human Rights, spoke about safety tips for seniors. Other topics included in-home care options, trends in fraud committed against the elderly and prevention of financial abuse.

The event was sponsored by Summit State Bank, Redwood Credit Union and E This Summit has provided information on innovative programs and other resources to prevent crime and protect the elderly.”

Bob Blancato, Earla Snow, Judy Rice, Stephan Passalacqua