October 10, 2005

State policy makers will go on the road to convene six public input forums designed to form the state’s 3-year plan for services for older adults and caregivers in Michigan.

“These local forums present Michigan citizens with a tremendous opportunity to share their concerns and ideas about services for older adults and caregivers,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA). “We want to hear directly from the people about what they think should drive the state’s upcoming 3-year plan for aging services.”

The purpose of the forums is to obtain public input on the needs of older adults and caregivers. Information gleaned will have a direct effect on the development of the 2007-2009 State Plan for Aging Services. The State Plan is a requirement of the Older Americans Act and is the guiding force for the work of OSA.

Upcoming Forum Dates and Locations:

Friday, October 21, 2005, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways, 6650 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Friday, November 18, 2005, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Lansing — Caregiving Hearing, Holiday Inn Lansing West, 7501 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917

Additional forums will be held throughout 2006. Directions are available at www.miseniors.net or by calling (517) 373-8230. If special accommodations are needed to attend any of the forums listed above, please contact the OSA office at (517) 373-8230. Written comments may be submitted to the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, MI 48909-8176 until May 20, 2006.