Words from the Kentucky Association for Gerontology President

Pat Dressman, KAG President

Left to Right: Marsha Dufeck, Pat Dressman, Mike Hurysz, Beth Humphrey

FY ‘12 has many challenges ahead: budget cuts, changes in Medicare and Medicaid, more senior citizens needing assistance, and fewer places to go for funding. The Kentucky Association for Gerontology (KAG) is a statewide association with exceptional individuals dedicated to the field of aging. The members and board work to advocate, educate, and network with vision for and with older adults and those who impact their lives. 

The Board Members and Officers for this year are:

• Pat Dressman, President
• Beth Humphrey, President Elect
• Marsha Dufeck, Secretary
• Mike Hurysz, Treasurer
• Nelda Barnett, Past President
• Dana Bradley
• Jill Collins
• Mary Crowley-Schmidt
• Barbara Gordon
• Michelle Hines
• Ray Kremer
• Tihisha Rawlins
• Jeane Robertson
• Charlotte Whittaker
• Peggy Roll
• Mike Smith
• Karen Tapp
• Anne Varnum

All are committed to working with elected officials, agencies, providers and seniors to assure the well-being of our aging population.

KAG is planning the Spring Conference that will be held at Lake Barkley State Park, Cadiz, KY on April 22-24, 2012. The Department of Aging and Independent Living will partner with KAG for this exciting conference. Kentucky's AARP will provide attendees with the "hot" legislation that will impact aging programs and services across the state for the next fiscal year.

Throughout the year and during the next legislative session, KAG will again step up to the plate to advocate and educate our legislators about the effects of less money for services. KAG's Public Policy Committee has a tool to accomplish this. The Board will work with renewed energy to speak for those we serve.  KAG's members, with our partnerships with the Area Agencies on Aging, AARP, providers, other agencies and associations, universities, and senior citizens, make us stronger for one goal.

We thank all the Board members that passionately served over the years. We the members will continue to influence public policy affecting older adults, as we have since 1985 when KAG began. We will continue to build our membership, involving anyone who cares for our elderly. We will educate and do what it takes to protect our vulnerable older citizens. We can do it, and to steal a popular phrase we will "just do it!" Together, as one, all hopes and dreams can be achieved.