Monday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Greenbrier County Elder Abuse Awareness Committee is inviting the community to participate by wearing a silver ribbon and displaying a poster. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006. The purpose of this special day is to provide an opportunity to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons in communities. Every year approximately 5 million older Americans are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Experts believe that for every reported case, as many as 23 cases go unreported. Greenbrier County has a population approaching 20 percent of adults older than 55. This means that many older adults are at risk for abuse, neglect or exploitation in our area. The Greenbrier County Elder Abuse Awareness Committee meets monthly and is working to assist elder victims by promoting awareness, access to services and prosecution of offenders. Packets with a poster and ribbons are available, free of cost, at the Greenbrier County Committee on Aging Nutrition sites in Fairlea and Rupert. Organization, businesses, schools and churches across the county can pick up a packet and take a united stand against elder abuse. For more information call 304-645-7842. The Committee thanks everyone for their support of this important issue.
