Ohio Board of Regents and Ohio Department of Aging Working to Mobilize College Students for Volunteer Efforts COLUMBUS –Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Jim Petro, along with Ohio Department of Aging Director, Bonnie Kantor-Burman has issued a letter to Ohio’s colleges and universities encouraging students to help aide those affected by this weekend’s bad weather.
“We are encouraging students to volunteer their time to help others – especially the elderly,” said Petro.
Students are encouraged to assist with the “Knock and Talk” effort to help provide wellness assessments for those who may be at risk due to the prolonged power outages. The Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE), with help from Scripps Gerontology at Miami University, has agreed to help lead by engaging gerontology programs in Ohio. OAGE is identifying coordinators in colleges and universities which will be the point of contact for students to engage in this effort.
“At the local level, there is tremendous potential to reach populations who may not be hearing the messages but may be most at risk for suffering the consequences during the times of extreme heat and no electricity,” said Kantor-Burman.
University System of Ohio institutions continue to work through the local and state emergency management agencies to ensure that their resources are available to the citizens of Ohio. Another example of such collaboration is at Shawnee State University where an emergency shelter has been opened in James A. Rhodes Athletic Center.
About the Board of Regents
The Ohio Board of Regents is the state agency that coordinates higher education in Ohio. The agency is directed by its Chancellor, who is a member of the Governor of Ohio’s cabinet. The Chancellor, with the advice of the nine-member Board of Regents, provides policy guidance to the Governor and the Ohio General Assembly, advocates for the University System of Ohio and carries out state higher education policy.
About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging works to ensure that our elders are respected as vital members of society who continue to grow, thrive and contribute. We work with state agencies and community partners, including area agencies on aging, to help integrate aging needs into local plans and ensure that aging Ohioans have access to a wide array of high-quality services and supports that are person-centered in policy and practice. Our programs include the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver, caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov July 2: FEMA delivers initial water supplies to counties and other local governments.
July 1: Another round of severe storms move across Ohio wiping out power to more residents.
July 1: Members of Ohio National Guard deploy to help check on Ohioans who may be at risk as a result of power outages and extreme heat.
June 30: Gov. Kasich’s request for federal assistance is approved.
June 30: Gov. Kasich spoke to the President and requested federal assistance to respond to the storm. He also spoke with utility company CEOs and local elected officials to make state resources available to expedite recovery activities.
June 30: Gov. Kasich declared an emergency for the entire state of Ohio so state agencies can assist local government response and recovery efforts. The National Guard was activated to help deliver needed supplies and conduct door-to-door checks in select areas to identify vulnerable Ohioans threatened by the severe heat.
June 29: Ohio’s Emergency Operations Center in Columbus was activated to coordinate state and local storm recovery efforts. The state contacted Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to let them know federal assistance may be needed. June 29: Severe storms and high winds during evening rush hour knocked out power for approximately one million homes and businesses across two-thirds of the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2012 Contact: Tamara McBride, Ohio EMA No. 15
