Top headlines from the Board of County Commissioners meeting

Commissioners approve funding for seniors, appoint new Animal Services Advisory Board member

Reno, Nev. Feb. 12, 2019. The following report highlights several important agenda items from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners meeting:

1. Commissioners approved grant to help seniors suffering from mental illness. The Board of County Commissioners accepted the Senior Mental Health grant for FY19 from the State of Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, which will cover $75,000 in costs for seniors to receive the mental health support they need. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) will oversee the funds to ensure services are provided for seniors in need of mental health treatment, case management, and rehabilitation.

The 60 and older population is the fastest growing age group in Washoe County. As the population grows, HSA has seen an increase in the number of seniors exhibiting suicidal thoughts, aggression, substance abuse and depression.

2. Commissioners approve funding for new programs to improve care for seniors with dementia. County Commissioners approved $108,909 grant from the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division for HSA caregivers that work with seniors suffering from dementia. The funding will be used to create two new programs within HSA: The Caring for You, Caring for Me program and the Skills2Care program.

The Caring for You, Caring for Me program is a ten-hour program available to caregivers so they can discuss common issues, share ideas and gain a better understanding of what it means to be a caregiver.

The Skills2Care program will expand respite care services by offering occupational therapy for families caring for seniors suffering from dementia. Similar programs have been implemented in other areas of the country, proving to reduce dependency, enhance quality of life for seniors and their caregivers.

3. The Board of County Commissioners appoint new member to the Washoe County Regional Animal Advisory Board. Commissioners appointed a new member to the Washoe County Regional Animal Services Advisory Board to fill the vacant position specified as a real estate or business professional with knowledge or experience related to homeowners’ associations, business organizations or financial operations. After reviewing a list of candidates and hearing public comment, Commissioners selected Mr. Albert Rogers to fill the open position with a term to expire on June 30, 2021.

4. Commissioners approve Special District Funds for Commissioner Jung. The Board of County Commissioners has approved a Special District Funds disbursement for Commissioner Kitty Jung in the amount of $1,000 to benefit the following grant:

• The Washoe County Human Services Agency, in the amount of $1,000 to Senior Services to support the Senior Coalition of Washoe County.

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