Buffalo, NY--- Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that, in partnership with the City of Buffalo Division of Senior Services and Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, “City Senior Connect” will take place this month on Thursday, August 11th on WUFO 1080 AM, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Deputy Mayor Ellen Grant and Division of Senior Services Director Doug Ruffin will host the program, which is designed to keep older adults up to date on important health-related information, as well as timely topics that include fitness, books, and much more. This month’s topic will focus on the stigma attached to mental health and aging in our community.
Mayor Brown stated, “As we prepare to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day on August 21st, I want to thank our seniors for everything they do to support the Buffalo community. We are living in challenging times, and I thank them for using their life experience to improve the lives of others, especially in recent months after the May 14th shooting at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue. While you were there for us, please know that we are here for you, and encourage you to check out the many valuable resources and services, including Compeer, that are available to City seniors in Buffalo. I hope you enjoy this month’s City Senior Connect.”
This month’s featured guest is Heidi Billittier, LMSW, Director of Older Adult Services at Compeer, a non-profit agency that provides social support to individuals, age 6 and older, who live with mental health challenges. Predicated on the belief that just one friend can positively impact a person’s mental health journey, Compeer provides that friend and provides connections to the larger community. Compeer relies on the kindness of compassionate volunteers who give their time, their energy, and their friendship. Ms. Billittier will discuss the stigma associated with mental health and aging in the Buffalo community and introduce the “Reframing Aging” initiative.
Prior to “City Senior Connect”, Deputy Mayor Grant and Director Ruffin hosted the “Buffalo Senior Connect Call”, an easy-to-access group telecall program for Older Adults, launched in 2020. At the time, the telecall was designed to keep people up to date on important COVID-19 related information. Participants also had a great deal of fun, talking about health and wellness, fitness, books, favorite recipes and much more. The new “City Senior Connect” airs on WUFO 1080-AM, on the second Thursday of each month, beginning at 10:30 AM.