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DSS Hosts 3rd Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk on June 13, 2017

May 22, 2017
11:45am

Johnston County Department of Social Services Hosts
3rd Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk on June 13, 2017

Local effort to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in our community

Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in every 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.  As of April 2017 the Johnston County Department of Social Services has had over 300 cases alleging elder abuse, neglect or exploitation for this year alone. 

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month.  This is a call to action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders.  The Johnston County Department of Social Services is answering this call by hosting the 3rd Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk on June 13, 2017. 

This event will be held at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center (indoor track) located at 600 East Booker Dairy Road in Smithfield.  There will be information, resources and a ceremony to bring awareness to this issue.  Registration begins at 5:00pm and the kick-off ceremony will start at 5:30pm.  Then at 5:45pm participants will begin a mile-long silent walk to remember victims of elder abuse. 

Please join the Johnston County Department of Social Services as we walk together to raise awareness and prevent the elderly in our community from becoming a statistic.  For additional information about the event contact the Adult Services Unit by phone:  919-989-5300 or email:  teresa.gardner@johnstonnc.com or ragan.ham@johnstonnc.com.  Thank you in advance for your support and participation in making this event a success.

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