AARP Commends de Blasio Pick of Barrios-Paoli to Head Up NYC Health & Human Services

For Immediate Release:                         Contact: David Irwin  dirwin@aarp.org

AARP Commends de Blasio Pick of Barrios-Paoli to Head Up NYC Health & Human Services

Former NYC Dept. on Aging Commissioner Brings Crucial Understanding of Older Residents to Admin.

Statement by Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York State

NEW YORK, New York – At a time when many older New Yorkers are experiencing difficult times, from soaring housing costs to simply being able to keep food on the table, AARP commends Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio’s choice of Lilliam Barrios-Paoli to serve as the deputy mayor for the city’s health and human services.

As the former commissioner for New York City’s Department on Aging, Barrios-Paoli is a tireless advocate, who understands the needs, concerns and struggles of older adults and their families, many of whom are facing a crisis in their own kitchen table economies.  The age group is worried about being able to afford to stay in their homes, pay their utility bills, and all too often, facing the reality of hunger.

AARP congratulates Barrios-Paoli on her new position and we look forward to working with her to help tackle some of the big issues facing New Yorkers, and making the city a better to live, work and age.

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org .

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