Shown above Judge of Probate, Judy Spree signing a proclamation for the Greene County DHR Service Staff Wilson Morgan, Director, Jacqueline Hughes- Family & Children Services Supervisor, Beverly Vester– Q.A Coordinator, Kimberly Tyree, CA/N investigator not pictured: Latonya Wooley, Foster Care Worker
The elderly population and disabled adults in our state and communities have the right to feel safe and to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, this is not the case for every elderly individual and disabled adult in our state. Based upon reports from previous years, thousands of elderly individuals and disabled adults have been and are being abused, neglected and exploited in Alabama every year.
In an effort to promote elder abuse awareness, agencies, organizations, communities and professionals around the world will unite on June 15th to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The following activities are scheduled to take place in Greene County in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness.
Greene County DHR employees will wear Purple Ribbons all month. Employees will wear Purple on June 15, 2018. Greene County DHR will host an Event to promote Elder Abuse Awareness on June 27, 2018 at the Eutaw Activity Center starting at 1:30 p.m. to discuss issues regarding the elderly and disabled adults.
The national theme for this year’s observance is “Building Strong Support for Elders”. The nationally recognized color to represent elder abuse awareness is purple. We are asking each community member to please wear purple throughout the month of June, particularly on the 15th.
“Greene County Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director, Mr. Wilson Morgan stated community partners can help by reporting suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation and by assisting DHR with arranging services to protect those individuals that cannot protect themselves. Our community partners are essential to assisting DHR in providing for the safety of the elderly population and disabled adults”.
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation regarding the elderly and disabled adults. In FY 2017, DHR investigated approximately 9,700 reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults statewide, which included elderly individuals and disabled adults.
DHR is requesting the assistance of all community members to help with protecting our vulnerable citizens as they have contributed so much to society. If you suspect an elderly person or an adult with disabilities is being mistreated please contact Greene County DHR at (205) 372-5000 to make a report.
Reports may also be made toll free to Adult Abuse Hotline 1-800-458-7214, and via online at aps@dhr.alabama.gov. All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.