FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patty Suarez
Patty.Suarez@sccmail.org
813-676-5616
TAMPA, FLORIDA. Senior Connection Center (SCC) wants the public to know that they are a
part of Florida’s Aging Network that handles calls into the statewide Elder Helpline,
1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). Older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers
who are struggling to find the help and services they need, especially now as they self-isolate
and take other precautions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, can call the Elder Helpline
for assistance Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
“As all of us are being encouraged to practice social-distancing, and because older adults are at
greater risk of serious health complications should they contract COVID-19, we fear many
seniors are running low on food and avoiding the grocery store. We want to make sure these
people know where and how to safely get the food they need to remain healthy,” said Charlotte
McHenry, President & CEO of Senior Connection Center, which serves a 5-county area
including Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Highlands, and Hardee counties. “Many local
organizations are working to help seniors and others who may need food and other necessities
at this time, but finding the best resource can be difficult and confusing to figure out, especially
as things are changing so rapidly with the COVID-19 situation. We are doing our best to
consolidate the most up-to-date and accurate information available for local seniors.”
Organizations that want local seniors to know they can provide food and other resources during
the COVID-19 crisis are also encouraged to contact Senior Connection Center at
813-740-3888 so their information can be included in SCC’s referral database.
About Senior Connection Center: Senior Connection Center is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization whose mission is to help older adults and persons with disabilities live with
independence and dignity. SCC is the Area Agency on Aging and the Aging & Disability
Resource Center serving Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties.
( www.SeniorConnectionCenter.org )
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