Commission on Aging to hear first responders’ COVID-19 lessons

Many older adults, along with people of all ages, were not prepared for the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been many complexities to navigate, from figuring out how to get groceries and wearing masks to quarantining or becoming ill. During many emergencies, the fire department is the first on the scene to address immediate problems and the Red Cross comes next to help with early needs like food, shelter and emotional support.

Representatives from the Vancouver Fire Department and American Red Cross Cascades Region will join the Clark County Commission on Aging for a moderated discussion on what they have learned during COVID-19 and what could be put in place to help in future emergencies.

The discussion will take place during the Commission on Aging’s monthly, remote meeting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21.

Meeting guests include Robert Milano, the city of Vancouver’s fire division chief for emergency medical services, and Jacleen Simons, regional preparedness program manager with the American Red Cross, Cascades Region.

For information on how to join and participate in a commission online meeting, visit clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing the needs of aging community members. For more about the commission, please visit clark.wa.gov/aging.

Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23 and online at cvtv.org.