Introducing the Bellevue Network on Aging

Cathy VonWald, ADS Advisory Council

The Bellevue Network on Aging.  Front row, seated: Eileen Rasnack, Diana Thompson, Catherine Brallier, Berta Seltzer. Middle row: Eve Stern, Stephen Lam, Christina Coulter, Eileen Putter, Valentina Kiselev, Cathy VonWald (staff). Back row: Jim Messner, Gary Dickerman, Dwayne Dilley, Howard Katz. (Not pictured:  Lynne Robinson and Marjorie Todd)

Their purpose is to support the mission of Aging Services in Bellevue through effective and systematic outreach, regional collaboration, and community involvement with a unified voice. The Bellevue Network on Aging mission is "dedicated to healthy aging in our community by promoting awareness of needs and resources that support older adults through life's transitions."

The Network meets monthly for two hours at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE. Members also meet through subcommittees on a regular basis. The network has outlined the following goals and strategies  for the work they do:

• Cathy VonWald shares information on the Vial of Life with other Advisory Council members. __________________________

  Communicate the needs of older adults and provide a forum for that communication
• Strengthen community outreach to inform and connect older adults with the necessary resources
• Create a unified voice for older adults
• Create an environment that makes Bellevue a livable community where older adults have the ability to age in place
• Gain respect and knowledge of older adults in Bellevue
• Create a regional approach to serving older adults.

The Bellevue Network on Aging is working with the Kirkland Senior Council on a joint project to distribute "Vial of L.I.F.E." kits.  L.I.F.E. stands for "Lifesaving Information for Emergencies."  The kits are small 5" high vial-shaped containers offering a dose of prevention. The vial contains three simple items to help a first responder provide fast and effective aid: 

• Advisory Council members Thelma Pegues and Rose Finnegan display Vial of Life containers at a recent meeting. ____________________________

  a visible red decal to be placed near the home’s front door to alert emergency workers that a "Vial of L.I.F.E" participant resides inside
• a red refrigerator magnet to quickly identify where life-saving information can be found
• a medical form to be placed in the vial to be stored on the top shelf of the refrigerator, containing vital medical information, including current personal medical conditions, medications, allergies and contact information.  

While supplies last, the kits can be found in several Eastside locations, including:

• Fire stations in Bellevue (offered at no cost.)
• North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th NE, Bellevue (offered at no cost.)
• Bartell Drug Stores in Bellevue and Kirkland (sold for $1 at the register).

For more information on the Bellevue Network on Aging, to share your questions, comments, and ideas, or to get on the recruitment mailing list, contact staff liaison Cathy VonWald, City of Bellevue, Aging Services, 425-452-4200 or email cvonwald@bellevuewa.gov. You may also visit the Bellevue Network on Aging website.