Colleen Salisbury, community outreach coordinator with LifeSpan of Greater Rochester, told the Washington County Board of Supervisors about a pilot respite program launched in the North Country that offers caregivers a $600 voucher to pay for short-term relief.

"We have a voucher program that's $600," Salisbury said. She said the program covers six counties in the North Country and is federally funded; the voucher can be used to pay a trusted companion or nonprofessional caregiver to provide a break for the primary caregiver. Salisbury described other free resources available through the nonprofit, including family mediation and conflict coaching, and encouraged supervisors to invite her to local board meetings to share information.

The nut graf: The pilot aims to reach unpaid caregivers who need short-term relief and to link them with local resources; Salisbury asked local officials to help refer residents and to allow her to present to municipal boards.

Board members responded with personal remarks and encouragement to have Salisbury present to local boards. There was no motion, vote or formal county commitment recorded; the presentation was delivered as a privilege-of-the-floor communication.

Ending: Salisbury provided contact information and urged supervisors to refer caregivers and invite her to municipal meetings. The board did not take formal action on the presentation.