Clay County proclaims June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; local senior-services staff cite rising reports

The Clay County Commission proclaimed June 15, 2026 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and heard from the county’s senior-services coordinator about the scope of elder abuse nationally and locally.

Commissioner Noly introduced Proclamation 2026-168, noting that elder abuse includes physical abuse, social isolation and financial exploitation. Ann Kenny, program and resource coordinator for Clay County Senior Services, told the commission that "each year an estimated 5 million older Americans, one in 10 of them will incur some sort of abuse." Kenny reported local figures that in 2025 the county received 554 reports that produced 711 allegations and said experts estimate many more cases go unreported.

"These numbers remind us that this is not an issue that is happening somewhere else but within our own community," Kenny said, urging residents to use protective services and community partners including law enforcement and adult protective services to report concerns. She provided a county contact number for senior services and offered to circulate an older-adult protection line for callers seeking help.

Commissioners thanked senior-services staff and emphasized outreach and community responsibility to identify and support vulnerable older residents. The commission presented a proclamation and certificate to celebrate awareness and to acknowledge the county’s partners (law enforcement, adult protective services, healthcare providers and community organizations).

Next steps: Senior Services will supply contact numbers and resource materials as requested at the meeting and the proclamation will be entered into the county record.