040700

NEAPC held fourth annual meeting Tiffany Chang On March 29, 2000, the forth Annual Meeting of Nevada Elder Abuse Prevention Council (NEAPC) was sponsored by the Nevada Attorney General and the Nevada Division for Aging Services (NDAS). Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa and Elder Rights Attorney of NDAS Betsy Kolkoski were Co-Chairpersons. Seniors United was represented by its Executive Vice President Dr. Tony T. Lei and his wife Judy to participate the Meeting. Attorney General Del Papa announced the Awards winners: (1) NEAPC Senior Advocate of the Year/ Orland Outland. (2) NEAPC Elder Abuse Prevention Partners of the Year/ Police Officer Standards and Training and Michael Billings, Michael Billings Productions. (3) NEAPC Elder Abuse Prevention Educator of the Year/ Connie and Chris McMullen, Senior Spectrum Newspaper. (4) NEAPC Initiative of the Year/ Nevada Board of Nursing. A Resolution was proposed by the National Association of Attorney General (NAAG). Attorney General Del Papa was the Sponsor. It stated that: "America's elders cleared the path for progress that brought the American people, their children and grandchildren forward into the twenty-first century. They have played a significant role in guiding our nation. Elder abuse is a hidden and seriously underreported crime that can be expected to grow as the population of elders grows. Elder abuse is a significant danger to the safety and security of America's elders unless it is prevented and stopped. Therefore, be it resolved that the NAAG is calling upon the U. S. Congress to designate the March Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month." An Annual Report was made by Kolkoski, and Pam Roberts: "In September of 1996, Del Papa and Kolkoski assembled over sixty advocates and agencies dedicated to protecting Nevada's expanding senior population from elder abuse. 'An Action Plan to Better Protect Nevada Elders' was crafted and the NEAPC formed." Elder abuse is the intentional and unjustified infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish; or the intentional and unjustified deprivation of food, shelter, clothing or services which are necessary to maintain the physical or mental health of an older person. Elder abuse continues to challenge Nevada seniors, their families and advocates. Educational Activities During 1999 was reported in the Meeting: "Roberts, and Kathy Apple, Executive Director of the Board of Nursing, trained Certified Nursing Assistants throughout the state over a six months period. A NEAPC team developed a four hour elder abuse training module for law enforcement. Connie and Chris McMullen continued their strong support of the work of NEAPC through the publication of Elder Abuse Quarterly." Report on Guardianship Committee stated that, "Kathleen Buchanan chaired the Committee. The Committee assessed theneed for guardianship in rural areas and explored mechanisms to meet the need identified. Buchanan arranged for an informal survey to assess the need for guardianship. The Committee arranged with Judge Nancy Oesterle, who hosts the Public Television Program 'Law For the Layman', to present a program on guardianship issue." Kolkoski disclosed the "Legislative Initiative' and "Elder Crime Count". Kathryn Holt reported the "Community Impact Project" and "Rural Guardianship Summit". The Meeting was successfully completed after the Attorney General's good processing of the "Participant Input" and "Action Plan".