AARP Pennsylvania State Director Appointed to the PA Supreme Court Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts

AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh was recently appointed by Pennsylvania Chief Justice Debra Todd to serve on the Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts. Established by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the mission of the Advisory Council is to identify and address elder justice issues, including abuse and neglect, guardianships, and access to justice affecting the commonwealth’s older adults.

The Office of Elder Justice in the Courts (OEJC) was created by the PA Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to assist the Court in implementing recommendations contained in the 2014 Elder Law Task Force’s Reports and Recommendations which helped lay the foundation for improvements in tackling issues involving guardianship, elder abuse and neglect, and overall access to justice.

Reflecting on his appointment, Johnston-Walsh said, “As advocates for systemic change to advance the rights and interests of persons 50 and older, AARP Pennsylvania has made preventing elder abuse and promoting elder justice a priority. As a state with one of the most rapidly aging populations in the nation, the commitment of the Advisory Council to pursue practical solutions that will improve and protect access to justice for our elders is impressive. It is an honor to represent AARP on the Advisory Council alongside judges, prosecutors, attorneys, aging specialists and advocates from across the commonwealth.”

This appointment underscores Johnston-Walsh’s decades-long dedication to advocating for Pennsylvania’s older adults and ensuring they have the resources and protections they need and deserve. 

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About AARP

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, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.