Clackamas County was honored with an achievement award at the 2019 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference and Exposition, for their innovative program: Senior Loneliness Line.
Clackamas County’s Senior Loneliness Line provides a personal connection to help support our vulnerable aging population from experiencing loneliness and isolation. The impact of loneliness in seniors can be twice as dangerous as obesity and as damaging as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes per day. It can also contribute to a decline in brain function and progression of Alzheimer’s disease induced dementia.
The program provides emotional support, resources, elder abuse prevention, counseling, and suicide intervention.
Clackamas County collaborated with local and national partners in the development of the Senior Loneliness Line program, and has made an investment in senior health to ensure community success.
For more information, contact Ed Nieto at Clackamas County, or visit NACo for information on the award.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate