DOH Holds Webinar on Progress of State’s Master Plan on Aging
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) hosted a webinar on Tues., June 21st to review its draft Executive Order (EO) to create a statewide Master Plan on Aging (MPA). Modeled after Governor Hochul’s 2022 State of the State address, the draft EO highlights the importance of engaging stakeholders to comprehensively address the needs of aging New Yorkers.
DOH, in consultation with the State Office for the Aging (SOFA), would be required within 60 days of enactment of the EO to convene a Master Plan on Aging Council to assist the Governor in developing the MPA. Members of the Council would include the commissioners and directors of relevant executive agencies and offices; furthermore, all executive agencies would be directed to participate in and assist with the work of developing the MPA.
Meetings of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee and town halls or similar forums would provide ongoing opportunities for engagement with the public during the two-year process of developing the MPA for presentation to the Governor. In addition, the Council and Advisory Committee would be authorized to create subcommittees, workgroups, or focus groups to engage stakeholders on specific issues.
The final MPA should comprehensively address issues regarding access to affordable, suitable housing; transportation; the ability to age in place; mental health; isolation; ageism; opportunities for civic engagement; and the prevention of elder abuse to ensure that New Yorkers of all ages can continue to live as independently as possible and with the freedom to choose to age in place.
Noting that the June 21st webinar was only the first of many meetings that will be scheduled over the course of developing and implementing the MPA, DOH staff encouraged those with questions or comments to direct their inquiries to MPA@health.ny.gov.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866