FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 26 2021

Contact: Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757, jebelt@mt.gov
Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391, (406) 461-8367, hcouncil@mt.gov

DPHHS Hosting Virtual Governor’s Conference on Aging Sept. 14

DPHHS also asking Montanans to submit Centenarian information

The Department of Public Health and Humans Services (DPHHS) is hosting the 52nd Governor’s Conference on Aging that will be a one-day virtual event on Tuesday, September 14.

“We are excited the Governor’s Conference on Aging will be available once again to Montanans across the state,” said DPHHS Director Adam Meier. “The conference agenda will be filled with relevant and timely information. We also appreciate working with the Local Area Agencies on Aging to stream the conference live at numerous senior centers in order to make it as easy as possible for people to participate.”

The theme of this year’s conference is Communities of Strength: Be the Connection. DPHHS is teaming up with AARP and the Montana Area Agencies on Aging Association (M4A) to make it available at several community senior centers.

To find local participating conference locations where a live stream of the conference can be viewed, Montanans are encouraged to call (800) 551-3191 to be connected to their local Area Agency on Aging. Or, a list of Area Agency on Aging local phone numbers is here. Participants can also register and take in the free conference from the convenience of their home.

To register for the virtual conference, go to https://whova.com/web/mgca_202104/  The deadline for electronic registration is September 5.

Event organizers said the conference focus will be on senior centers and community enrichment. Topics include AARP Livable Communities that focus on age-friendly infrastructure including housing, transportation, and civic engagement. A panel discussion will include projects completed through an AARP Montana Community Grant. There will also be presentation on Alzheimer’s, a caregiver panel, fall prevention, suicide prevention, the State Health Insurance and Assistance Program, Social Security, fraud, scams, and housing. AARP will also host a virtual trivia game to conclude the event.

A pre-conference event is also slated for September 13. The pre-conference Aging Summit is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon and will give older Montanans and interested adults an opportunity to hear information about and give input on the Aging State Plan. Montanans can register for both events at https://whova.com/web/mgca_202104/ 

A full list of conference presenters and an agenda for both events are on the registration website page.

DPHHS seeks Centenarian information

DPHHS is also asking Montanans who will turn age 100 as of December 31, 2021 or those who are already over the age of 100 to submit their name and a brief profile.

Centenarians, or friends or family members, are encouraged to supply DPHHS with the following basic information by September 6 so they can be recognized. Local Area Agencies on Aging are working with local communities to honor Montana Centenarians through local celebrations. All those who submit information will receive a signed certificate from Governor Greg Gianforte.

(NOTE: The first five items are required in order to receive a certificate from Governor Gianforte.) 

  1. Centenarian's name.
  2. Contact person (who to send certificate to).
  3. Contact person’s phone number and email address
  4. Mailing address (where to send the certificate).
  5. Birth date of Centenarian.
  6. Are they a World War II Veteran?
  7. Where were they born?
  8. If not born in Montana, what is their story on how they got to Montana?
  9. What is the secret to their longevity?
  10. What has been the most amazing event in their life that they would like to share?
  11. What is their favorite quote?
  12. Anything else they would like us to know about the centenarian?
  13. Please provide a picture of the centenarian when the information above is submitted. 

Please send Centenarian information to:

Governor’s Conference on Aging-Centenarians DPHHS-SLTC P.O. Box 4210 Helena, MT 59604-4210

People can also email Jackie Stoeckel of the DPHHS Senior and Long Term Care Division at jstoeckel@mt.gov or call (406) 444-6061.