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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 12:11 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2007

Hilo aging & disability center gets federal recognition

Advertiser Staff

The federal Administration on Aging this week announced it has recognized Hawai'i's Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo as a 2007 Choices for Independence Program Champion.

The announcement is part of a national and state celebration of Older American's Month during May. The pilot site was selected among state initiatives and programs designed to assist older persons and those with disabilities. The project is posted on the Web at www.AoA.gov.

The state Health Department is working on various supports that can prove an invaluable community resource, said deputy health director Susan Jackson. "The Hawai'i Executive Office on Aging is working to empower seniors with additional resources that will help maintain their independence and quality of life."

Since 2005, the state has been developing two national program models, in Hilo and on O'ahu, that will streamline access to information and services for seniors and people with disabilities. These ADRCs will provide personalized information, assistance, referral, and options counseling on long-term care resources.

The Hilo ADRC, located in the former Sun Sun Lau Restaurant, is under renovation and will officially open in spring 2008. This one-stop center for long-term care services and information will have major service providers from the aging and disability communities, Jackson said.

To obtain aging and disability information on the Big Island and O'ahu, contact Hawai'i County Office of Aging at (808) 961-8600; and City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division at (808) 768-7705.