The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) and Job and Family Services of Wood County, will hold an
Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 13 immediately following the Bowling Green Flag Day Celebration,
beginning at 10 a.m. outside of the Wood County Senior Center, located at 305 North Main St. in Bowling
Green.
In conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the organizations aim to bring an end to elder abuse
in Wood County and declare that "Wood County takes a stand against elder abuse."
According to the Administration on Community Living, every year an estimated five million, or one in 10,
older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Experts believe that for every case
of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.
In 2013, 243 cases of elder abuse were reported in Wood County alone.
The event will feature speeches from representatives of Job and Family Services of Wood County, and
appearances from elected officials, including Wood County Commissioners James Carter, Doris Herringshaw
and Joel Kuhlman.
The general public is welcome and encouraged to attend this event. Please wear purple to take a stand
against elder abuse.