SSA Conversation Series
In lieu of our annual conference, we will be curating a series of virtual conversations on current issues in aging starting September 14, 2020.
All events are free and open to the public.
We are continuously adding events to the series, so please check back for updates!
Upcoming Events in the Series
The Decade’s New Public Health Challenge: Alone, Lonely, Isolated (Part 1 of 2)
Monday, November 9, 2020, 10:00am-12:00pm
Part one of a two-part series on practice, policy, and research on social isolation among older adults.
Video Introduction by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Keynote Speakers
- Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President, AARP Foundation
- Robert Blancato, President, Matz, Blancato and Associates
Panel – Review of Opportunities and Challenges
- Practice: Dr. Manoj Paradsani, Dean of Social Work, Adelphi University
- Practice in Action: Carolina Hoyos, Director of Caregiver Supports NYC Department for the Aging
- Policy: Dr. Jackie Berman and Dr. Tobi Abramson, NYC Department for the Aging
- Research: Dr. Janna Heyman, Endowed Chair, Fordham University School of Social Service Ravazzin Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies
Two Continuing Education Hours (CEH) are available for LMSW/LCSW license.
Sponsored by The Ravazzin Center on Aging at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service New York City Department for the Aging Adelphi University School of Social Work State Society on Aging of New York
The Decade’s New Public Health Challenge: Alone, Lonely, Isolated (Part 2 of 2)
Monday, November 16, 2020, 10:00am-12:00pm
Part two of a two-part series on practice, policy, and research on social isolation among older adults.
Video Introduction by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Welcome
- Janna Heyman, PhD, LMSW, Fordham University Henry C. Ravazzin Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies
Panel on Virtual Programming in Senior Centers
- Dr. Jackie Berman, Senior Director, NYC Department for the Aging;
- Dr. Manoj Pardasani, Dean, Adelphi University School of Social Work;
- Dr. Tobi Abramson, Director of Geriatric Mental Health Initiatives, NYC Department for the Aging
Panel on Integrating and Enhancing Consumer Use of Technology
- Technology and Health – TIPS - Colette Phipps, Program Coordinator Research and Development, Westchester Department of Senior Program and Services
- Teaching Older Adults and Providers to Use Technology - OATS – Alex Glazebrook, Director of Operations
Panel on Building Connections for Older Adults
- DOROT - Ellen Amstutz, Senior Program Officer for Community Based Programs and External Affairs
- Veterans Outreach – Dr. Judy Howe, James Peters Veterans Administration
Two Continuing Education Hours (CEH) are available for LMSW/LCSW license.
Sponsored by The Ravazzin Center on Aging at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service New York City Department for the Aging Adelphi University School of Social Work State Society on Aging of New York
Past Events
Addressing Structural Racism in Services for Older Adults
Friday, October 16, 2020, 10:00 - 11:30am
We will discuss the intersection of institutional and structural racism and Covid-19 and the resultant impact. We will look at how institutions and services consciously/unconsciously sustain/maintain institutionalized racism. From this discussion, we will develop strategies to disrupt institutional racism to address the inequities in life opportunities, services, and care which they create.
New York State Continuing Education Units (CEU) available!
Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging at Hunter College, CUNY, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0161. Addressing Structural Racism in Services for Older Adults counts toward 1.5 continuing education credits for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in New York State. Participants must attend the entire session to receive credits for the course.
- Geoffrey Rogers, Director of Learning and Development, Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, CUNY
- Rev. Dr. Charles Butler, Vice President, Equitable Development Department, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI)
- Lisa Rachmuth, LMSW, Deputy Director, Multi-Disciplinary Teams, New York City Elder Abuse Center
- Samuel Aymer, Ph.D, MSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY
- Marie Philip, MHS, Deputy Commissioner (Retired), Emergency & Intervention Services, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
State Society on Aging Town Hall
Monday, September 14, 2020, 9:00 – 10:30 am
Please join State Senator Liz Krueger, NYSOFA Acting Commissioner Greg Olsen, National Coordinator for the Elder Justice Coalition Bob Blancato for a conversation with SSA president christian gonzález-rivera about legislative and policy responses to the COVID-19 crisis. Come prepared with your questions for our policymakers!
Vulnerable Older Adults and Long Term Care in COVID-19
Thursday, September 17, 2020, 3:00 – 4:30pm
This colloquium will examine heightened risks to older adults in COVID-19, including risks of abuse and neglect, and palliative care as an effective public health policy.
- Mary Beth Morrissey, Chair, New York State Bar Association Health Law Section’s COVID-19 Task Force
- Melissa Lang, President and CEO, Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut
- Tom Caprio, Director of Geriatric Training Programs, University of Rochester; Director, UR Medicine Geriatric Assessment Clinic; Chief Medical Officer, UR Medicine Home Care
- Katherine Pettus, Advocacy Officer for Palliative Care, International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care
- Ann Marie Cook, MPA President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester
- Karla Usher, Community Member/Law Student
Sponsored by the Collaborative for Palliative Care and the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center
Virtual Discussion of Racial Justice and Aging
Wednesday, July 1, 2020, 9:00 to 10:30am
In July, in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and the subsequent popular uprisings around the world in support of Black lives, SSA hosted an open discussion on race and the field of aging. The conversation, which was hosted by SSA virtually over Zoom, attracted more than 60 professionals in aging from across the state, including academics, social workers, direct service professionals, policy professionals, and older New Yorkers.