April 14, 2006 :: No. 210

The National Organization for Human Services Western Regional Conference, hosted by Cal State Fullerton, Thursday, April 20, will focus on poverty and aging issues.

As the country is experiencing a historical shift toward an older population, greater numbers of trained human services professionals are expected to be in demand. Conference participants will work on developing an action plan to address the human service needs of senior citizens.

"When it comes to poverty and aging, it cuts across issues — housing, physical frailty and financial insecurity," said Mikyong Kim-Goh, chair and associate professor of human services. "One of the main reasons for this conference is to find out what is the status of the elderly and how to take better care of this population."

The keynote speaker is Fernando Torres-Gil, associate dean of academic affairs and director of the Center for Policy Research at UCLA. Torres-Gil is an expert in the fields of health and long-term care, the politics of aging, social policy, ethnicity and disability. He will present information on how poverty and aging are being addressed on a national level.

In addition, William Oswald, the western representative of the National Organization of Human Services, will discuss policy and how poverty is handled in America. Jon Pynoos, professor of gerontology at USC, will discuss housing issues among the elderly, and Karen Roper, executive director of the Orange County Area Agency on Aging, will present a report on the status of the elderly in Orange County.

The conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chase Suite Hotel in Fullerton. Registration is $75 and $35 for students. For more information, visit www.talentpooldesign.com/NOHS

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