AHVRP Highlights
Extra Mile Ramp Project
Southwest Georgia Council on Aging and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Albany, GA
Lacy Lee, Director of Volunteer Services
The Extra Mile Ramp Project is a volunteer effort to construct wheelchair ramps for people in need in the community. The ramps are built according to urgency of those on the waiting list as determined by our collaborating partner, Southwest Georgia Council on Aging and its Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Volunteers range in age from 60-85 years and since its inception in January, 2000, the volunteer crews have constructed over 300 ramps.
The program strives to increase the number of homebound citizens who are able to access healthcare services; reduce the length of stay for patients who cannot be discharged because of accessibility issues at home; increase awareness, volunteers and resources for the benefit of homebound citizens who are currently "prisoners in their own homes;" and to improve the quality of life, health and safety for homebound citizens - particularly those who are poor or without help.
The Gatekeeper Program
Southwest General Health Center
Middleburg Heights, OH
Bobbie Simmerman, Administrator
Lynne Chakan Stark, Manager, Community Outreach Services
Designed to address gaps in service to the elderly, these needs were identified by Quality Communities Partnership, a non-profit collaboration of community and business leaders, elected officials and residents, launched by Southwest in 1996. The Gatekeeper Program addressed the health, social and emotional issues prevalent in the at-risk elderly population by recognizing signs that may indicate the need of assistance and makes a referral. To located and identify at-risk elders 60 and over, employees of corporations, businesses and other organizations are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of the need for help. Gatekeepers include bank tellers, postal workers, senior and residential center personnel, police and firefighters, utility workers and others can refer for service when they recognize a potential at-risk situation. Since its beginning in 1997, there have been 579 referrals with 1598 trained gatekeepers from 116 organizations. Outcomes show a significant decline in emergency visits and admissions.
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