Vancouver, Wash. - The Clark County Commission on Aging is focusing this year on healthy communities, especially for people 65 and older. Features of a community either contribute to or decrease one's ability to live independently, safely and comfortably.  Places with clean air and water and access to healthful food, safe streets, parks and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods provide an environment that contributes to better health. 

The year-long focus will educate and raise awareness about how to create and maintain healthy, livable communities that benefit all ages.

Meetings are at 4:30 pm on the third Wednesday of each month in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

The commission has invited experts to speak on the specific topics. Members then will discuss the topic and answer questions from the audience. Here is a tentative schedule of the 2019 topics:

•           March 20 – Overview of what makes a healthy community

•           April 17- Access to parks, recreation, and open space

•           May 15 – Complete neighborhoods

•           June 19 – Access to healthy foods

•           July 17 – No meeting (commission retreat)

•           Aug. 21 – Access to medical services and pet care support

•           Sept. 18 – Access to economic opportunity and engagement

•           Oct. 16 – Urban forestry and environmental quality

Dr. Alan DeLaTorre, research associate at Portland State University’s Institute on Aging, will kick off the healthy communities series on March 20. DeLaTorre will discuss the elements that make up a healthy community and the impact the built environment has on our physical and mental health.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. For more about the commission, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.

Commission meetings are carried live on CVTV Channel 23 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.

CONTACT
Jacqui Kamp
Community Planning
564.397.4913
jacqui.kamp@clark.wa.gov