LeadingAge Oregon had the opportunity to put together a dynamic group of LeadingAge Oregon members and community partners to discuss aging services in Josephine County with Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson.

Our meeting was held at Redwood Terrace in Grants Pass Oregon and was attended by: Kristin Milligan, CEO of LeadingAge Oregon; Jim Thompson, Executive Director of Redwood Terrace, speaking on behalf of an Assisted Living community; Melissa Preston, Associate Executive Director of Rogue Valley Manor, spoke on behalf Life Plan Communities; Valorie Rinkle, Board President of Rebuilding Together Rogue Valley, spoke on behalf of a nonprofit community service program; Sarah Long, Executive Director of PRS Community Housing spoke on behalf of HUD subsidized housing; Evan Alvord, owner of Rogue Psych, spoke on behalf of mental and behavioral health of older adults; and Constance Wilkerson, Director of Rogue Valley Council of Governments spoke on behalf of Senior and Disability Services.

Each of the attendees shared and discussed specific issues facing their program/service area. Discussion ranged from an increase in acuity and behaviors in older adults; funding and workforce challenges; to regulatory burdens and redtape impeding providers to deliver the best care and services to their residents. This was a fantastic opportunity for LeadingAge Oregon and our members. The meeting went great and we are excited to continue our relationship with Governor Kotek and the First Lady.