AARP Pennsylvania

A new report by AARP Pennsylvania and Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions highlights how geographic, racial/ethnic and economic factors are combining to restrict access to healthcare services for many Pennsylvanians, creating disparities that have become more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh released the following statement in response to newly compiled data showing a spike last year—in some cases by triple digits—in anti-Asian hate crimes in 16 of the nation’s largest cities, including Philadelphia. The March 2 analysis comes from the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, based on preliminary police data. The first spikes occurred in March and April 2020, according to the center’s report, coinciding with the rise in COVID-19 cases and negative stereotyping of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members generally, and Chinese Americans in particular. In addition, the report states that overall hate crimes fell last year, while hate crimes targeting AAPI community members dramatically increased.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are trained to diagnose and treat patients, but the state requires the oversight of a doctor for them to prescribe medicine. Nurse practitioners say finding a physician to enter into an agreement with can be difficult and cost as much as $1,000 a month in fees.

Older adults are frustrated and angry with Pennsylvania’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to date, according to a survey of AARP members statewide.

“Black Rosies” Build B29 Bombers, Break Barriers

AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh released the following statement in response to Governor Wolf’s 2021-22 budget address:

AARP is pushing state lawmakers to pass two bills that would provide paid family leave for Pennsylvanians. The proposal includes an insurance program that would be funded by small deductions from workers' paychecks.

Harrisburg, PA – Bill Campbell of Pittsburgh has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2020 AARP Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service -- the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP works to support our military, veterans and their families by providing relevant resources on key issues such as fraud, caregiving and financial security.

Pennsylvania received five AARP Community Challenge grants this year. The winners: