Wed. meeting to focus on disaster registry for seniors, disabled

December 07, 2005
Santa Paula News

A unique pilot program that could be a lifesaver is being kicked off in the Santa Clara River Valley to identify senior citizens who would be unable to evacuate during a disaster without assistance.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA unique pilot program that could be a lifesaver is being kicked off in the Santa Clara River Valley to identify senior citizens who would be unable to evacuate during a disaster without assistance. The program will be held Wednesday, December 7 at 10 a.m. at the Santa Paula Community Center/Senior Center at the corner of Main Street and Steckel Drive.According to Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) Planner Christine Voth, the program is targeted for seniors 60 or older and adults with disabilities. “The agency has been working with California Lutheran University students” who selected Santa Paula for the pilot program, noted Voth. “Our goal as an agency is to identify seniors and people with disabilities who would be the most compromised in getting out of their homes” if required to evacuate.Wednesday’s meeting will be the first step in creating a disaster registry “just to identify where people are who would need assistance, such as a stroke victim or other adults with disabilities who would have a great difficulty getting out their premises during an emergency.” The list of seniors and disabled adults would be referred to in case of disaster to ensure contact can be made directly with the listed party or their listed contact.
If a disaster or emergency occurs, the VCAAA will coordinate with response agencies so an attempt can be made to visit or communicate with those listed to determine if medical or other assistance is needed. The disaster registry cannot guarantee a specific response, but it will inform responding agencies of the wish of those listed to be contacted after a disaster. Because disasters can disrupt services, close roads, destroy buildings, etc., a response may take many hours or days.Voth said that working with CLU students is an example of the agency’s outreach for “needed partnerships with other organizations to better serve our seniors.” The students are taking a class on the psychology of aging, and the disaster identification program “gives them a chance to work with seniors, understand their issues, as well as learn more” about the programs and services of VCAAA.Forms will be distributed during Wednesday’s meeting noting the 20 or so listed criteria for program participation. “The senior citizen or disabled adult can check off whatever applies to them,” and if none apply, the assumption is that they would be able to take care of themselves if an evacuation was called for.Within Santa Paula’s city limits are 3,922 seniors over the age of 60, 14 percent of the population, said Voth. The pilot program is a “high priority of VCAAA Director Victoria Jump,” a Santa Paula resident. “It’s something she truly believes in, as do I.” Contact the Santa Paula Senior Center at 933-4272 for more information.



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