Rates of COVID-19 deaths and cases in nursing homes have declined dramatically in Texas and nationwide as the Omicron wave recedes. Still, COVID-19 remains a deadly issue for nursing home residents. AARP Texas urges legislators to focus on nursing home safety.
AARP Texas Director Tina Tran issued a statement on Wednesday, April 6, in response to reports by the Texas Secretary of State’s Office of widespread ballot rejections in the recent Texas Primary Election:
Jenell Clark of Dallas has been struggling for months to gain attention to the plight of her mother, 86-year-old Mae Birks. Now she’s brought her story to state legislators, testifying recently in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee in opposition to Senate Bill 6.
Each day in Texas, millions of uncelebrated heroes are giving baths and preparing meals. They’re providing rides to the doctor and grocery store. They’re dispending medicines and handling complex medical tasks, sometimes with little or no training.
As a leading advocacy organization for older Texans and their families, AARP Texas is actively engaged in the response to the coronavirus outbreak and is calling on state officials to take specific steps to protect the public’s health and wellbeing.
Texas legislators are responding to the call to take swift and decisive action to ensure the health and safety of long-term care facility residents and staff. AARP Texas Director Tina Tran applauded Texas lawmakers for their initial work and urged continued progress toward passing several important bills to protect nursing home residents.
On behalf of AARP Texas, State President Charlene James issued the following statement to extend condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Eligio “Kika” de la Garza, who died Monday: