June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This is the silent crime that few know about and which we all must work to prevent. June 17th is Fathers Day and June 21st is the first day of summer. It will be a very busy month.

The government highlights the fourth call for applications for the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Applications are being accepted under the program from now until June 29, 2007.

Budget 2007 announced plans for an expansion of the New Horizon for Seniors Program by $10 million per year. This additional funding will allow the Program to fund more projects that aim to address elder abuse and fraud.

The following examples are just a few innovative New Horizons for Seniors activities taking place across Canada.

Seniors organize a telephone network to reach out to housebound seniors.
Elders building a community garden and sharing their knowledge of traditional plants and their cultural uses. Seniors help students with their homework in an after-school project.

Project proposals are eligible for up to $25,000 in funding, and the maximum duration of a project is one year. To obtain an application visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca or www.hrdc.gc.ca or call 1.800.277.9914 and select 0 to speak to an agent. Persons with a speech or hearing impairment can call 1.800.255.4786 (TTY).

Local Health Integration Network (LHINs) officially took on their role for planning and co-ordinating services on April 1st. LHINs will help patients find their way through a complex health system and increase access to quality care by working closely with local health providers. LHINs will help patients access care with fewer delays and more efficiently as of April 1. The fourteen (14) LHIN’s in Ontario will officially take on co-ordinating and funding responsibility. Please let us know if this is happening in your area.

Have a very healthy happy summer and I am looking forward to seeing each one of you at our convention in Cobourg on August 27, 28 & 29, 2007. Thank you all for your 92 resolutions.

To all fathers have a great Fathers Day and do take care of each other.