Most older adults and people with disabilities want to remain in their own home. Knowing about available resources in the community and how to access them is one of the best things that people can do for their loved ones.

Making the Link 2014 offers the opportunity for individuals and families to learn about a wide range of local service, providers and programs in Pierce County. Services include in-home care, assisted and skilled nursing facilities, elder law, equipment providers, health care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, caregiving, emergency assistance, social service agencies, funeral services and much more.

The event will be held at the MetroParks STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th Street in Tacoma on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a free, drop-in event. Come when you can and leave when you want.

Making the Link 2014 is designed for health care providers and office staff, social service professionals, faith community staff and volunteers serving the needs of older adults and people of all ages with disabilities.

Participants will receive an annual compendium of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in the area, copies of the 2014-2015 edition of Senior Media Service’s popular “Where To Turn” resource guide and other valuable resource information.

No registration is required to attend.  But participants can enter to win a $5 Starbucks card by visiting www.eventbrite.com and entering “Making the Link.”

Making the Link 2014 is sponsored by the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County in collaboration with the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

For more information about Making the Link 2014, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

Dementia can be a frightening diagnosis, both for the individual and for their family. People often experience a range of emotions from anger and relief to denial and depression. And that is only the beginning.  As short-term memory begins to fade, people look for help. In addition to mainstream healthcare resources, many people often turn to alternatives for explanations for the symptoms, treatments that might prove effective and advice from a variety of sources, including the Internet.

“Dementia: Setting the Record Straight” will review the current medical science on the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In addition, alternative options and therapies will be discussed ranging from dietary supplements and herbal sources to individual therapies and non-FDA approved medicines.

“A dementia diagnosis can be devastating,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “Families and patients both need to approach the diagnosis with hope, information and realism. There’s lots of misinformation circulating.  This presentation is an opportunity to get good information and ask important questions.”

Sessions are free. No RSVP is required. The informational presentation will be held at four different sessions:

• Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Wheelock Public Library, 3722 N. 26th in Tacoma
• Nov. 17 at noon at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
• Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at the University Place Library, 3609 Market Place W. in University Place
• Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Key Center Fire Station, 8911 KP N in Lakebay

“Dementia: Setting the Record Straight” is sponsored by the Pierce County Long-term Care Ombudsman Program and Aging & Disability Resources. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month. The presenter, Linda McCone, a clinical pharmacologist, will address some of these alternatives along with the facts that we know about the disease, suggestions on coping with the effects, the available treatments, and what to expect from long-term care options. Resources for caregivers, as well as for those with dementia, will be highlighted.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. The purpose is to protect and promote the Resident Rights guaranteed these residents under Federal and State law and regulations. Ombudsmen are particularly dedicated to advocate on behalf of residents who are unable to speak for themselves.

Whether the need happens suddenly or over a period of years, when the necessity for extended health care happens, knowing about community resources is a necessity. The worst case scenario is to have to make decisions about long term care in a crisis without any knowledge of the resources, services and options available.

“Options for the Future” will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Puyallup Activity Center, 210 W. Pioneer in Puyallup. This event is a free information-only opportunity to learn about the wide variety of services and resources in Pierce County.

Topics to be addressed include in-home care, geriatric care management, elder law, adult family homes, assisted living, skilled nursing homes, memory care, Medicare, Medicaid and community resources in Pierce County. The event is jointly sponsored by Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources and the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County.

“Life is fragile,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “For some people – even the youngest and healthiest individual, life can change in a blink with an accident or illness. For others, the gradual onset of disabilities may lead to need for extended care.  In either case, knowing about community resources and how to tap into them is crucial.”

Participants will have the chance to learn about services and resources and ask questions of local professionals in the long term care services network.  This is an information-only event.  The workshop is free and open to the public.  For more information about the workshop itself, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

PLU Center for Community Engagement and Service  Presents: Empty Bowls

For only $10, you will receive a handmade bowl made by a student/faculty from Art & Design, filled with delicious soup. This event is part of the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events. Please join us at 5:30 pm in AUC 133 for the “Working for Change” panel featuring PLU Alumni who have served in various post-grad service year programs. Find out more at www.plu.edu/service

Wednesday, November 19 at 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

Old Main Market, Pacific Lutheran University, Parkland, Washington 98447

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Medical professionals and senior Army and Air Force leaders will host a series of town halls next week at JBLM to provide information about Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as well as the installation’s Ebola preparedness. Leaders at the Town Halls will also answer service member, military family member and employee questions about the and military efforts supporting the medical community’s response to the outbreak in West Africa.

Town Hall times and locations:

•   Wednesday Nov. 12, 1 p.m.                       Evergreen Theater, Lewis Main

•   Thursday     Nov. 13, 1 p.m.                       McChord Theater, McChord Field

•   Thursday     Nov. 13, 6 p.m.                       French Theater, Lewis Main

•   Friday          Nov. 14, 1 p.m.                       French Theater, Lewis Main

The Town Halls will be streamed live at http://www.emc.army.mil/broadcast3/.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Medical professionals and senior Army and Air Force leaders will host a series of town halls next week at JBLM to provide information about Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as well as the installation’s Ebola preparedness. Leaders at the Town Halls will also answer service member, military family member and employee questions about the and military efforts supporting the medical community’s response to the outbreak in West Africa.

Town Hall times and locations:

•   Wednesday Nov. 12, 1 p.m.                       Evergreen Theater, Lewis Main

•   Thursday     Nov. 13, 1 p.m.                       McChord Theater, McChord Field

•   Thursday     Nov. 13, 6 p.m.                       French Theater, Lewis Main

•   Friday          Nov. 14, 1 p.m.                       French Theater, Lewis Main

The Town Halls will be streamed live at http://www.emc.army.mil/broadcast3/.

Start 2015 off healthy with free flu and pneumonia
vaccines and health screenings on January 10th at the
Hilltop Regional Health Center. The Winter Health
Fair includes:
• FREE Flu and Pneumonia vaccines*
• FREE Blood Pressure Checks
• FREE Insurance Enrollment Assistance
• FREE Dental Screenings
• FREE Height/Weight/BMI Checks
Enter the raffle to win prizes.
• $10 Safeway Card for the fist 50 people to get a flu shot
• Free Digital Thermometer to the fist 50 people to show
this ad at the door.
• D rawings for Gift Baskets and other prizes when you
visit 3 health booths.
The flu vaccinations are for Adults, Children, Seniors & Expectant Mothers
Allergic to latex or eggs? No problem! We have special vaccines for you as well!

Vision loss doesn’t have to mean the loss of independence or quality of life. With the right support, people who are blind or partially sighted can do almost anything a fully-sighted person can do.

“Living with Vision Loss” will provide practical information and local resources to help people who experience vision limitations with everyday living.  The one-hour workshop will provide helps and hints on living at home, developing hobbies, participating in sports, travel, work and career, leisure activities and more.

“Learning to live with vision loss can be very challenging,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “The good news is there is help available to enable people to remain independent and active however they chose.”

“Living with Vision Loss” will be offered three times. 

• March 9 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.) at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
• March 11 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.) at the County City Building Rainier Conference Room 7th Floor, 930 S. Tacoma Ave. in Tacoma
• March 14  (10 to 11 a.m.) at the Soundview Building, Suite 200, 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma

The workshops will be presented by Hongda Sao, case manager with the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center, Kate Fewel, MSW, LICSW, and Jane Elliott, certified rehab teacher and orientation mobility instructor with Sightconnection. Presenters will share their personal stories, provide information about local resources and show some practical, easy-to-use tools that can help with vision loss for people of all ages.

Participants will also learn how to make both home and workplace accessible and safe with simple and practical ideas. A variety of adaptive equipment including mobile devices will be explained.  Rules and regulations regarding workplace accommodations for successful employment will also be discussed.

Sessions are free and there is no RSVP required.

Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources (ADR) is initiating a process to gather community input for the creation of the 2016-2019 Area Plan. The Area Plan establishes funding priorities and the array of services that will be provided to support older adults and adults with disabilities who are living in the community.

Input can be provided at six community forums, an Internet survey, by e-mail and by mail. Comments can be made on any topic of concern, e.g., in-home care, transportation, nutrition, health care, housing, socialization, legal services, aging-in-place and employment / volunteerism. Information gathered will be used to help shape the “Area Plan” that will be created by ADR.

“We want to hear what concerns people,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “In order for us to develop a strong plan for the next four years, we need to hear the experiences and suggestions of people with disabilities, older adults, caregivers, family members, friends and professionals in the community.”

Aging and Disability Resources has scheduled a series of forums for individuals to speak up and help shape priority areas and goals for services to older adults and individuals with disabilities in Pierce County. Six community forums are scheduled:

• March 4 (2 to 4 p.m.) at the Center for Independence, 7801 Bridgeport Way W., Suite 200, Lakewood
• March 9 (10 a.m. to noon) at the Lighthouse Senior Activity Center, 5016 E. A St., Tacoma
• March 19 (12:30- 2:30 p.m.) at the Milgard Family HOPE Center, 8502 Skansie Ave., Gig Harbor
• March 21 (9 to 11 a.m.) at the Buckley Senior Center, 811 Main St., Buckley
• March 30 (10 a.m. to noon) at the Mountain View Community Center, 3607 122nd Ave. E., Edgewood
• April 16 (1 to 3 p.m.) at the Lakewood Senior Activity Center, 9112 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood

Each community input forum is open to the public. No RSVP is required.

An Internet survey is also available to provide input. The survey is available at www.PierceCountyWA.org/ADR. Comments can also be provided by mail to Pierce County ADR, 1305 Tacoma Ave. S., Suite 104, Tacoma, WA 98402. Email submissions can be made to PCSeniors@co.pierce.wa.us.

Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) is a designated Area Agency on Aging. Guided by the Area Plan and an Advisory Board, the role of ADR is to plan and oversee long-term services and supports in Pierce County. For additional information about the Community Input Forums or the Area Plan, call (253) 798-7376.

Pierce County served a notice of violation Wednesday, March 4, on a retail marijuana business called The Gallery that opened in Parkland without a required permit.

The Pierce County Building Official, who inspects structures for compliance with building codes, hand-delivered a notice that The Gallery is in violation of County Code by operating without a tenant occupancy permit. The business owner has 14 days to appeal the notice.

Pierce County Responds, the program that investigates complaints about code enforcement, has visited the business several times to inspect it and advise that the business also needs a conditional use permit. Without that permit, Pierce County Responds can issue a Notice and Order to Correct.

The Gallery faces potential fines of up to $1,000 per day for failing to obtain the permits.

The business owner reportedly has received a retail marijuana license from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, per Initiative 502. Pierce County Code 18A.12, created through County ordinance 2013-111s, permits licensed marijuana businesses in specific zones subject to compliance with the regulations and the granting of a conditional use permit. One of the county regulatory requirements is that no applications shall be approved until marijuana is removed from the schedule of controlled substances by the federal government.

PIERCE COUNTY — Caregiving is the “new normal” in American families. People who need help – whether because of age, accident, debilitating disease, chronic health conditions or simple frailty – much prefer to remain in the familiar (and affordable) surroundings of home rather than move to formal care facilities. Fully one in four families will fall into this role.

We won’t always know when the need will arise, but there are things people can do to feel more prepared for caregiving. “Conversations on Caregiving” is an informal discussion about family caregiving and the resources, tools and skills that can help caregivers over the long term.  The discussion will explore ways families share responsibilities, how to handle caregiver duties, the challenges most caregivers face and the resources available in Pierce County. Participants will also learn how to recognize and avoid caregiver burnout.

“Conversations on Caregiving” will be offered four times:

• April 11 – 11 a.m. to noon at the University Place Library, 3609 Market Place W. in University Place
• April 13  –  12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
• April 15 –  12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the County City Building Rainier Conference Room 7th Floor, 930 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma
• April 15 – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Puyallup Library, 324 S. Meridian in Puyallup

The discussion will provide an opportunity for individuals to explore the options, needs, resources and supports available to them.  According to former first lady Rosalyn Carter, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”

“Conversations on Caregiving” is sponsored by Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) in collaboration with local community partners. ADR coordinates the Family Caregiver Support Program that provides a range of services and supports to family caregivers to help keep them strong and effective in their role. The program currently serves over 2,000 families in Pierce County.

The information-only event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.

Watch for silver and blue pinwheels to appear around Tacoma and Pierce County. For the second year Pierce County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is planting pinwheels around town during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue pinwheel has become a symbol for the happy, healthy, and carefree childhood every child deserves.

There are more than 1,500 abuse and neglected children involved in the foster care system in Pierce County. CASAs are volunteers who advocate for these children so that their needs are met and they don’t get forgotten or lost in the system. CASAs remind all of the parties involved – social workers, attorneys, parents, judges – that the child is the focus of the case, and the child needs a permanent, safe, stable home.

There are about 250 CASAs in Pierce County, and 750 children who do not have a CASA. The CASA program participates in the Pinwheels for Prevention to raise awareness in the community about child abuse and about the need for CASAs who can help prevent abuse and neglect.

Pinwheels will be popping up on MLK, the Stadium District, 6th Ave., Ruston Way, and at several county properties including Frontier Park and Sprinker. There is a “garden” of 750 pinwheels planted in the lawn of Pierce County Juvenile Court — one for each child without a CASA.

Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign started in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America and Healthy Families America.

For more information about the CASA Program, call Carrie Appling at (253) 798-3837 or visit http://piercecasa.org/.

Health leaders meet to help address dental disease in Washington 

KEY SPEAKERS:  

Dr. Bob Crittenden, Senior Health Policy Advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee

Beth Truett, President & CEO of Oral Health America

Dr. Keith Grellner, President of the Washington State Board of Health

WHAT: Oral Health for Washington Symposium

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S, Seattle 98168

Recognizing that having a healthy mouth is important to overall health, the Washington State Board of Health and the Washington Dental Service Foundation are hosting two symposia focused on improving oral health for the people of Washington. The Seattle event is the first of two symposia scheduled. The other symposium will be in Spokane on April 30 and is also sponsored by the Empire Health Foundation.

Dr. Bob Crittenden and Beth Truett, along with other speakers, will be available to speak to media and elaborate on how good oral health improves overall health and saves money. More than 100 state leaders in health care and health policy will participate at the Seattle symposium; another 50 are scheduled to attend the Spokane symposium.

The Washington State Board of Health (SBOH) has adopted seven strategies to improve oral health and prevent cavities. For example, the SBOH recommends more communities consider community water fluoridation and school based oral health sealant programs. This the first time the Board of Health has focused on oral health and encouraged communities to fluoridate water to improve public health.

Oral health is critical to overall health. Yet tooth decay remains one of the most common – and easily preventable – diseases in the US. More than 90 percent of adults age 20-64 are reported to have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and nearly 20 percent of children age 2-19 have untreated cavities.

Gum disease has been linked to serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and pregnancy complications. Cavities also can be expensive to treat and affect work productivity and quality of life. Tooth decay is the top chronic childhood disease and a leading cause of absenteeism for school-aged children. It also can have serious impacts on speech development and school readiness.

–

Ashley Bach

Pacific Public Affairs

1403 3rd Ave., Suite 300

Seattle WA 98101

o: 206-682-5066

m: 206-579-2414

PIERCE COUNTY — Car crashes, sports injuries, work mishaps, falls, home accidents, acute diseases and infections, disasters. Something happens and suddenly you are no longer able to speak. What do you want for your care? How will your resources be spent? Who will decide?

Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources will host “Who Decides: Powers of Attorney and Guardianships” to discuss two of the most important legal instruments a person should have. The power of attorney (POA) allows you to pick someone you trust to handle your affairs if you cannot do so yourself. Guardianships are often created to manage the personal and/or financial matters of another person.

“People often have a sense of invincibility,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources. “The reality is that we are all vulnerable to a situation in which we are not able to speak for ourselves. It’s in these trying circumstances that we most need to have legal documents like these in place before it’s too late.”

“Who Decides” will be offered three times in July:

• July 6 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
• July 7 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. in the , County City Building Rainier Conference Room, 7th Floor, 930 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma
• July 11 – 10 to 11 a.m. at the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma

Each presentation will include informative handouts about forming a Power of Attorney and creating a guardianship. Other related topics to be discussed include wills, advance directives, trusts and estate planning. The workshop will be presented by Bryana Cross, an elder law attorney.

“Who Decides?” is sponsored by Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources (ADR). For additional information about the series call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

It’s the time of year when we stay indoors and are more likely to have concerns about spreading viruses. This year the flu and mumps are making headlines. Here is some information. We hope you and your family can stay well. If you have fallen ill, we hope you recover quickly.

Flu information

This is a link to Flu Patient Information from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, posted in this graphic.

What should you do to protect yourself from flu this season?

The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting yourself against this serious disease.

As well as getting the flu vaccine, you can take preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs. If you have the flu, stay home from work or school, prevent spreading flu to others. There are prescription medications called antiviral drugs that can be used to treat influenza illness. Visit What you Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs for more information.

For 2016-2017, three-component vaccines are recommended to contain:

• A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus,
• A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus and a
• B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage).

Flu Symptoms

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Mumps

This year in Washington State there are several cases of the Mumps. The best protection against mumps is the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.

Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw, the result of swollen salivary glands. The symptoms are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle Aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of Appetite

Meningitis and encephalitis are rare complications of mumps. Some people get no symptoms at all. The disease also can cause swelling of other glands, such as the testicles.

Potential complications of mumps include hearing loss, meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), and brain damage. Complications often require medical treatment. In rare cases, mumps is deadly. Adults are more likely than children to become very sick with mumps.

Stay well and have a great new year!

(Information gathered from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control)

PIERCE COUNTY — No later than January 1, 2020, Pierce County residents in the Medicaid system will receive both physical and behavioral care through a state mandated initiative called Integration 2020.  Through this whole-person approach, physical and behavioral healthcare will be delivered via one system through an integrated network of providers, offering better coordinated care for patients and more seamless access to the services they need.

The initiative is part of Healthier Washington and brings together the payment and delivery of physical and behavioral health services for people enrolled in Medicaid, through managed care.

“It’s critical that we shape the integration in a way that meets the needs of Pierce County citizens both now and in the future,” said Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Executive.

Pierce County is negotiating with the Washington state Health Care Authority to enter into a binding letter of intent to become a “mid-adopter,” which would lead to the integration of the health systems by January 2019.  Clark and Skamania counties have already transitioned to fully integrated care.  Counties across the state have until January 1, 2020 to complete the integration.

The Pierce County integration work will be led by Steve O’Ban, a state Senator and current chair of the Senate Human Services, Mental Health and Housing Committee.  O’Ban will be joining the County’s Human Services Department on May 22, 2017 as Special Assistant for Behavioral Health. Other members of the County’s Mid-Adopter Implementation Team include Connie Ladenburg, Pierce County Councilmember; Peter Ansara, Director of Human Services; Carol Mitchell, Director of Justice Services; Teri Card, President and CEO, Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, and Alisha Fehrenbacher, Executive Director of the Accountable Communities of Health.

“Because of the State mandate, we are moving into a new way of doing business in regard to health care,” said Connie Ladenburg.  “Now is the time for us to explore and determine how best to achieve positive outcomes for the residents in Pierce County.”

O’Ban is an attorney and was engaged in the private practice of law for over 25 years before he began serving in the Washington State Senate in 2013. He also volunteers for and serves as the Chair of the Board of Sacred Road, a charitable organization serving the Yakama Native Americans.

“Optum is committed to supporting Pierce County as it moves to an integrated system of care, including through ensuring a smooth transition for the community and providers, and using existing services to enhance whole-person care,” said Lauren Mihajlov, director of communication for Optum.

Information about the Health Care Authority and Integration 2020 may be found here.

Bethel School District #403 announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for children.  Lunches will be made available at no charge to attending children 18 years of age and younger.

Lunches will be provided at the following open sites from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 26 through August 18, 2017 (except July 3rd & 4th):

• Camas Prairie Elementary (320 176th St E, Spanaway, WA 98387) 253.683.7494
• Shining Mt. Elementary (21615 38th Ave E, Spanaway, WA 98387) 253.683.7294

Lunch will be provided at the following open site from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 26 through August 18, 2017 (except July 3rd & 4th):

• Thompson Elementary (303 159th St E, Tacoma, WA 98445) 253.683.5894

Lunch will be provided at the following closed enrolled site from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 21 through July 7, 2017 (except July 3rd, 4th, & 5th) for children who have enrolled in the Spanaway Jag U program:

• Spanaway Elementary (412 165th St E, Spanaway, WA 98387) 253.683.5300

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877‐8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD‐ 3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632‐9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410; fax: (202) 690‐7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Questions regarding the summer program may be directed to Leeda Beha, R.D.N., C.D., SNS, Director, Child Nutrition Services, by calling 253.683.6912.

BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT — High In Plain Sight, is a training to inform adults on current marijuana trends and what to look for with youth. This training is great for school staff, nurses, youth serving organizations and the general public.

Register here.  August 13th 9-3:30 a.m., Pioneer Park Pavilion, Puyallup

330 S Meridian, Puyallup WA 98371

PIERCE COUNTY — Many families feel like they have been thrown into the fire when the need to find a care facility for themselves or a loved one. There are scores of long term care facilities throughout Pierce County – adult family homes, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and more. No two are alike. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The key is knowing what to look for and how to find it.

Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources is offering a free presentation called “If I Only Knew Then,” which provides a thorough introduction to the process families should consider when looking for a care facility. The discussion will cover how services are provided, costs of care, what residents can expect, how to read surveys, reports and contracts, and more.

“When the need arises, we all want the best care possible,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources manager. “The reality is that most facilities provide very good care and have staff that are dedicated to their work. Yet, no two long term care facilities are the same and many have a special focus. It’s important that families do their homework before moving into a facility.”

Presentations will be held three times in October:

• Oct. 8 – 12:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex Building, 2401 S. 35th, Tacoma
• Oct. 8 – 6:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Branch Library, 6300 Wildaire Road SW, Lakewood
• Oct. 9 – 6:30 p.m. at the Sumner Branch Library, 1116 Fryar Ave., Sumner

“If I Only Knew Then” will focus on identifying needs and defining the total cost of services. The presentations will also discuss how to research available options, investigate quality of care, understand contracts, and ask the right questions. Presenters will share examples of good choices, as well as examples of common mistakes that cause the most problems. There will be significant time for questions and answers.

These presentations are sponsored by Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources, and will feature long term care professionals and advocates who understand the process and who regularly help families with these difficult decisions. They will also explain what options exist if promised services are not available.

Sessions are information only and no sales are offered or allowed. Events are free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information about the presentations, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or 1-800-562-0332.

Every day in Pierce County, hundreds of people sleep in cars, shelters, or on the streets. They are someone’s mom, dad, child, or friend. Do you ever wonder how they lost everything and became homeless? Or how many more people are in a similar situation? We answer these questions every year with the Point-In-Time Count.

Pierce County Human Services is recruiting volunteers to conduct interviews with homeless individuals and families during the Point-In-Time Count on Friday, Jan. 25. Volunteers must be over 18 years old, have access to a smart phone, and commit to attend a training. The remaining three volunteer trainings will be held over the next week:

• Jan. 10 – 5 to 7 p.m., Pierce County Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma
• Jan. 14 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., South Hill Library, 15420 Meridian E. in Puyallup
• Jan. 16 – 5 to 7 p.m., Bonney Lake Library, 18501 90th St. E. in Bonney Lake

If you are unable to volunteer, you can help by donating items such as warm clothes, blankets, hygiene kits, first aid kits, hand warmers, and packaged food like granola bars or bottled water. Donations provide a starting point for the conversation and are given out to anyone experiencing homelessness on the night of the count. Donations can be dropped off through Wednesday, Jan. 23 at multiple locations:

• Any Pierce County Library
• Lakewood Community Center, 9112 Lakewood Dr. SW. #121 in Lakewood
• Pierce County Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma
• Share and Care House, 702 23rd Ave. SE in Puyallup
• Vadis, 1701 Elm St. E. in Sumner

During the count, human service professionals and volunteers survey people experiencing homelessness. Communities use the survey data to better understand why people become homeless, plan thoughtful programs that respond to their needs, track trends over time, and identify where people sleep. Last year during the count, most people reported they lived in Pierce County before experiencing homelessness, showing that it is a crisis anyone can face.

“The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. Each year, the Count is a key measure used to inform priorities for federal, state, and local funding and helps gauge progress toward ending homelessness for vulnerable individuals and families. We are thankful to the many volunteers that help us through this effort,” said Peter Ansara, Pierce County Human Services Director.

Everyone has a story. Everyone counts, no matter where they live. As a volunteer, you are part of the solution. Interested parties should register online. For more information about the Count, volunteer opportunities, or donations, contact Valeri Knight at 253-798-6931.