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Ottawa County proclaims June 2026 Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Summary
The commission adopted a proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and heard an outreach specialist summarize elder‑abuse risks and voluntary services available to older adults.
The board unanimously proclaimed June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Ottawa County after an outreach specialist presented statistics and voluntary services descriptions. Tanya Paul (speaker 12), an outreach specialist, explained that her office provides non‑investigative, voluntary support and anonymous intake services for older adults and caregivers. “1 in 10 seniors in America experiences mistreatment or abuse,” she said while leading the commissioners through a prepared proclamation that cited national statistics and urged community action.
The proclamation was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners acknowledged the need for outreach and for connecting seniors and caregivers to existing services; the outreach specialist offered copies of the proclamation and offered to coordinate local awareness and education events. The board asked staff to place the proclamation on the county website and to provide copies to local senior centers and service partners.
Why it matters: Proclamations like the one adopted are primarily symbolic but signal county support for awareness, outreach and coordination among law enforcement, adult protective services and nonprofit partners. The board encouraged continued education and referred seniors or caregivers with questions to the outreach office.
