First Master Plan for Aging Town Hall Invites Public and Stakeholder Feedback

The NYS Department of Health (DOH) and Office for the Aging (SOFA) hosted the first Master Plan for Aging (MPA) Town Hall on June 7, 2023 at the Hunter College Silberman Campus in NYC, allowing the public the opportunity to learn more about and weigh in on the State’s coordinated effort to lead the nation in age- and disability-friendly policy.

Kathryn Garcia (Director of State Operations), Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez (Commissioner, NYC Department for the Aging), Greg Olsen (Acting Director, NYSOFA), and Adam Herbst (Deputy Commissioner on Aging and Long-Term Care, DOH) provided opening remarks, highlighting the need and impetus for every agency and stakeholder to engage and re-envision their strategies to foster healthy aging throughout the lifespan for all New Yorkers.

After reviewing steps the State has already taken toward universal collaboration – including the establishment of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee and State Agency Council – Deputy Commissioner Herbst solicited public feedback by accepting questions from the live audience and those in attendance online.

Whether a question of fostering "aging in place" and care access, combating ageism and ensuring social wellbeing, spurring workforce development, or seeking stakeholder engagement, the MPA team’s response was clear: “We want to hear from you.” Communities will have the opportunity to share additional input through a public survey and Town Hall meetings throughout the state. In addition, questions, ideas, and feedback can always be sent to MPATownHall@health.ny.gov.

Keep up with news on the MPA, including future Town Hall and survey announcements, on LeadingAge NY's website.

Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866