Native elder needs survey underway

Wrangell Senior Center is conducting a survey this month tracking Native elder health and social issues.

The local surveying is a cooperative effort between Southeast Senior Services and Wrangell Cooperative Association. The results go to the National Resource Center on Native American Aging, which assesses the quality of life for elders across the United States.

NRCNAA helps compile and prepare the results of the assessment, as well as provide assistance on how to best use that data. The survey focuses on individuals aged 55 and older, and provides a useful tool for accessing federal Title VI grant funding which can further help such senior assistance programs.

“It certainly would help us fulfill that part of the grant application,” explained Marianne Mills, SESS program director. The service maintains a network serving 14 communities across the region, providing meals and transportation services, care coordination and other programming.

On a local level, the additional grants can translate into greater capacity, allowing for more days for meals and ride services. At Wrangell’s Senior Center, manager George Joseph explained a representative is already setting up appointments with local Native seniors. Those interested in participating are invited to give the center a call at 874-2066 to set up a time.