Celebrities tout Adopt-A-Senior Program at Dallas library

by Patrice J. Holmes of of Dallas Weekly

An effort to achieve neighborhood quality of life brought over 100 Dallas citizens together for the Medicare Adopt-A-Senior and Part D Open Enrollment on Monday, Dec. 17. The centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services and the Dallas Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated hosted the event that featured Emmy Award-nominated actor Mr. Sherman Hemsley and Ms. Marla Gibbs, stars of the TV show The Jeffersons.

This event brought a collection of community health and public service representatives to provide information and encouragement along with blood pressure screenings and flu shots to the Dallas Public Library at Highland Hills.

Mr. Hemsley and Ms. Gibbs added laughter to the event while pushing for citizens to learn more about their Medicare options. Ms. Gibbs said that with this issue, education is the key.

“The people that came out will share this information with others and that will help get the word out. We are just trying to educate people on what is available,” Ms. Gibbs said.

Mr. Hemsley added that while he loves serving the community in this way, it is important to tell people what they are facing. “Communication is very important,” Mr. Hemsley said, “If people know about the issues they can make good decisions.”

CMS Public Affairs representative Tony Salters said events like this are important because people everywhere need help. “We are here to match people that may not have family or close friends that are available or that they can trust with other people that can help them with their Medicare decisions. We provide extra help with reviewing Medicare options and assisting them with the choices they have to make concerning their health,” Salters said.

Salters added that many times, the elderly feel pushed into making decisions that they may not be ready for or have very little information about. This matching program is put into effect to bring two people together where one needs help, and the other is willing and able to give it.

Mr. Salters, along with Adult Services Librarian and member of Delta Sigma Theta, Ms. Wanda Tanghlyn, feel an understanding of Medicare is important to the Black community.

“We’re always the last to know about information that can be beneficial to us and it is sometimes difficult to navigate the Medicare system,” Ms. Tanghlyn said, “with this one on one attention, we can make it possible for our seniors to get the care they need.”

One senior in attendance at the event, Eva Maloney, said that with all the plans, services, and coverage options, it can get overwhelming. "I got a better understanding of what I can do,” said Ms. Maloney, “There are a lot of plans but this information did help me a lot."

The City of Dallas is working to aid in community health awareness and the chance for seniors to acquire a Medicare plan that they understand and that is right for them. With the continued support of the Adopt-A-Senior teams, and social organizations designed to help others, help others, the elderly can have access to the right medical care and help and support for a better understanding and medical future.