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VACCINES THIS WEEK: Vaccines began being distributed to older Ohioans this week, starting with those 80 and older. Each week after that, the minimum age for vaccinations will drop five years until all Ohioans over age 65 have access.
A vaccine provider search will be available at coronavirus.ohio.gov, allowing Ohioans to search by county, ZIP code, and category to find a provider in their area to administer the vaccine.
The schedule for the coming weeks is:
• The week of Jan. 25, Ohioans 75 and older, and residents with severe congenital or developmental disorders;
• The week of Feb. 1, Ohioans 70 and older and employees of K-12 schools;
• The week of Feb. 8, Ohioans 65 and older.
Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is the local Area Agency on Aging servicing Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. While the Area Agencies on Aging do not give shots, staff will help answer questions on the safety of the vaccine, how to get to a provider and how to connect to any other community resources available. Call Direction Home at 330-505-2300 or 1-800-686-7367.
SENIOR CLUB STILL ACTIVE: Lowellville Senior Citizens club officers want to inform members meetings will begin as soon as COVID-19 permits safe gatherings. In the meantime, members are reminded that the club is still active and if any member is sick or in the hospital, call Jean Rotz at 330-536-8228.
ALZHEIMER HELP ONLINE: The Alzheimer's Association's online Community Resource Finder at alz.org/crf provides ZIP code area-specific information on topics such as care at home, community services and housing options.
The Alzheimer's Association offers numerous caregiver support groups virtually. A number of dial-in telephone support groups have been added for additional support.
To learn about support groups and community education programs, visit the site or call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
FOOD DELIVERY: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is partnering with various agencies for Families First Coronavirus Response Act funding for no-contact food deliveries to seniors 60 and older.
Agencies for Mahoning and Columbiana counties include Easter Seals, 330-884-2513, and Jewish Family Services, 330-746-7929.
SENIOR VOLUNTEERS: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the Mahoning Valley is looking for volunteers. For information, contact Leah at 330-480-0352, Ext. 3.
RSVP is a national service program for individuals 55 and older who want to volunteer in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. These volunteers will also assist with community events.
The Senior Support Action Group is a coalition of community partners working together to assist the seniors in the valley with access to food, transportation to medical appointments and companionship through the Phone Pals program.
OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio (formerly Area Agency on Aging 11) is looking for volunteers to join the Ombudsman Program to advocate for excellence for those living in long-term care facilities.
Ombudsman help ensure that residents of long-term care facilities receive quality care and treatment. Volunteers will make phone calls and virtual visits to residents.
The training to become a certified volunteer will be provided virtually. Call 330-505-2338 for more information.