El Paso County proclaims June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day; county agencies urge reporting

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a proclamation recognizing June 15, 2025, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day and highlighted local resources for reporting suspected elder mistreatment.

The proclamation, introduced by Vice Chair Holly Williams, notes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and El Paso County’s designation by the State of Colorado as an alternative response pilot county intended to expand family-centered and individualized services. The board voted 5-0 to adopt the proclamation.

Why it matters: County and nonprofit speakers said elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation remain ongoing concerns that cross socioeconomic groups and require coordinated community and law-enforcement responses.

Andrew Bunn, deputy executive director for the El Paso County Department of Human Services, thanked partner agencies and turned the presentation over to Laquina Allen, the county’s adult services manager. Allen described the county’s Adult Protective Services unit and asked residents and mandatory reporters to use established reporting channels. "If you suspect mistreatment or elder abuse, I urge you to contact APS by calling (719) 444-5755 or emailing adultreportingaps@elpasoco.com," Allen said.

Melissa Martz, chair of the Pikes Peak Elder Abuse Coalition and a representative of the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, outlined the coalition’s 20-year history and its three work groups addressing financial exploitation, housing options for older adults, and state and local advocacy. Martz highlighted community prevention and the coalition’s outreach such as awareness events and trainings.

Commissioners praised the work of the county’s Adult Protective Services and community partners. Commissioner Bill Wysong urged families to ensure older adults can remain safely in their homes where preferred. Commissioner Corey Applegate thanked law enforcement and nonprofit partners, and Commissioner Carrie Geithner, chair, and Vice Chair Williams joined the unanimous vote to adopt the proclamation.

The board’s proclamation text cited county and community partnerships including the Department of Human Services, Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, Silver Key Senior Services, the Pikes Peak Elder Abuse Coalition and the Long Term Care Ombudsman. The proclamation also encourages citizens to celebrate older residents and support prevention and education efforts.

The board recessed after the vote for a photograph and continued other business later in the meeting.

Ending note: The county provided the APS phone number and email during the presentation for anyone who suspects elder mistreatment to report concerns to county staff or local law enforcement.