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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2007

Department of Aging Issues Call for Nominations
State Agency Seeks Caregivers, Volunteers and Others to Honor in 2008

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging is seeking nominations for three annual honors: Joined Hearts in Giving, Elder Caregiving Award and the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Nomination forms are available at senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state, as well as on the department's Web site.

"Older Ohioans and their family members give so much to their communities and the state," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. "From volunteers to caregivers and from architects to school teachers, we all have unsung heroes living and working around us everyday. It is our mission to recognize the role these selfless individuals play in making Ohio a great place in which to grow up and grow old."

• Joined Hearts in Giving honors couples married 40 years or longer who share a commitment not only to each other, but also to their communities through volunteer service.
• The Elder Caregiving Award is presented to outstanding individuals of any age who sacrifice their time and independence to provide much-needed care to an aging or disabled loved one.
• The Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, established in 1977, recognizes native-born Ohioans or long-time state residents for service to others and achievements after age 60, as well as for lifetime achievements that represent positive aging.

Criteria and nomination deadlines for each recognition vary. The Department of Aging will work in collaboration with the state's 12 Area Agencies on Aging to select honorees who best reflect not only the spirit of each honor, but also Ohio's rich geographic and social diversity.

To learn more about these honors, download a nomination form or submit a nomination online, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/infocenter/nominations.html. Or request a nomination form at your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.