MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Roberts
[email protected]
850-414-2142

​Event Webinar Link

~ Elder Affairs to Host Statewide Virtual Conference Honoring Older Adults ~
   
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.,– The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is hosting a statewide virtual event on Thursday, June 18 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The purpose of the WEAAD webinar is to build safer communities for Florida’s 5.5 million older adults and to encourage attendees to recognize elder abuse and how to report abuse to authorities.

June 15 is the official day for worldwide awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and all Floridians are encouraged to wear purple to focus attention on the growing problem of elder abuse. In years past, live events were hosted throughout the month of June to honor elders and educate the public on elder abuse. This year, due to COVID-19, DOEA is hosting a virtual event webinar to further ensure the safety of Florida’s older population.

“Preventing abuse of older adults and understanding the signs of elder abuse is in the best interest of all Floridians,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “ When we empower Florida’s older population to live safe, self-sufficient, and independent lives, then we contribute to the quality of life in all our communities.”

“Florida’s elders should be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to continue to live vibrant lives and serve as leaders, mentors, and volunteers,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom. “They must remain important and active members of society without the threat of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

The DOEA webinar event on June 18 will feature keynote speakers on Elder Abuse Prevention including: Statewide Training Coordinator, Heather Conley, Florida Department of Children and Families; Special Agent in Charge, Omar Perez Aybar, U.S. Office of the Inspector General HHS; Special Agent, FBI Jacksonville Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Inspector Adel Valdes, U.S. Postal Inspectors Office.

The DOEA Elder Abuse Prevention Program works to educate all Floridians, including seniors, caregivers, family members, and Aging Network professionals about the prevention of abuse and how to report it.

Thursday, June 18, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Event Webinar Link
Event Contact: Allison Bryant
Statewide Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator
850-414-2072


If you are a victim or suspect elder abuse, please contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). If you would like more information about the Department’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program, contact DOEA at 850-414-2000.
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The Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the State Unit on Aging, helps Florida’s elders to remain healthy, safe, and independent. The Department provides most direct services through its Division of Statewide Community-Based Services, which works through the state’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to deliver essential services to a vital segment of the population. For more information, please visit www.elderaffairs.org.