AARP Florida Recognizes Secretary Prudom’s Service to Older Floridians

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – AARP today released the following statement from Florida State Director Jeff Johnson regarding the upcoming retirement of the state’s Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom.

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said, “AARP applauds Secretary Prudom’s service to the people of Florida. Richard’s commonsense approach to issues impacting older Floridians and his passion for public service have made him a key partner to our organization and the members we serve.

“Through his leadership, Florida expanded access to homebound vaccination, championed AARP Age-Friendly projects and created lasting partnerships that will benefit older adults for years to come. We wish him a happy and healthy retirement and look forward continuing our meaningful work with the Department of Elder Affairs.”

Highlights:

• Making Florida Age-Friendly: Through Secretary Prudom and Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida was designated as the 4^th state in the nation to be recognized as an Age-Friendly State in April 2019. Through this Age-Friendly Initiative, called Livable Florida, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs is working with AARP, statewide partners, and communities to create more livable communities as outlined in their Florida Action Plan on Aging.
• Supporting Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease & Caregivers: Secretary Prudom and AARP connected with statewide partners, such as the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH), to further align aging at the state level. The FLDOH now has a priority area designated in their State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) that is focused on providing resources and support for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. 
• Improving Health Systems for Older Floridians: Secretary Prudom and AARP worked with Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) on a pilot project in Florida, which was funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation. The Age-Friendly Public Health Systems pilot worked with two-thirds of Florida’s county health departments to pilot a public health framework to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Sarasota County was recently recognized as the first local health department in the nation to receive recognition as an Age-Friendly Public Health System.
• Champion for Dementia Care: Secretary Prudom grew the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI), which engages communities across Florida to promote better care for Floridians affected by dementia. Established in 2015, the statewide program now has 16 communities with DCCI taskforces.

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AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.