Ohio Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Month
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) are reminding Ohioans to help seniors by being aware of the signs of elder abuse and how to report it.
"Local agencies receive over 100 adult protective services referrals each day," said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. "We all play a role in ensuring that older Ohioans can age safely. During Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we remind all Ohioans that we can all be a part of the solution."
The U.S. Administration for Community Living defines elder abuse as "any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult." This can include physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, as well as self-neglect, neglect by others, abandonment, or financial exploitation.
National studies show as many as one in 10 seniors is a victim of elder abuse. In Ohio, nearly 3 million adults are 60 or older. By 2030, older Ohioans will make up more than a quarter of the state's population.
"As a former Adult Protective Services case worker, I know firsthand the horrors of elder abuse, fraud, and exploitation" said ODA Director McElroy. "Often, many cases of abuse go unreported. To make Ohio the best place to age in the nation, we must continue to protect older Ohioans by educating them on ways to prevent elder abuse and empowering them to report it."
Signs of elder abuse can include a lack of basic amenities, a worsening living environment, unexplained injuries, unusual behavior changes, unpaid bills, new credit cards, and increased cash withdrawals.
To help Ohioans understand what elder abuse is, where it happens, and how to recognize it, ODJFS is continuing its Age Safely, Ohio campaign. ODA's elder abuse webpage, aging.ohio.gov/elderabuse, has detailed elder abuse warning signs and insights into how older Ohioans can avoid scams.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel are recognizing the importance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 with this resolution.
Anyone can report elder abuse by calling 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277) or visiting aps.jfs.ohio.gov. Callers can review a checklist to provide appropriate information. Callers can also choose to remain anonymous.
To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact ODA's Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling 1-800-282-1206 or visiting ombudsman.ohio.gov.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, adult protective services, and child support services.
MEDIA CONTACTS:Tom Betti: 614-728-9645Thomas.Betti@jfs.ohio.gov
Bill Teets: 614-403-2331Bill.Teets@jfs.ohio.gov
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-recognizes-world-elder-abuse-awareness-month-302476726.html
SOURCE Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Ohio Removes Over 600,000 People From Health Care Plan
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Hundreds of thousands of Americans in Ohio have been rolled off a health care plan in the space of roughly two years, data from KFF, a nonprofit health policy research and news organization, has shown. Around 600,000 Ohioans were disenrolled from the state's Medicaid program as part of the unwinding process happening nationwide after Medicaid coverage was expanded during the COVID pandemic. Newsweek has contacted the Ohio Department of Health via email for comment. Why It Matters The unwinding process has resulted in significant drops in Medicaid enrollment across the U.S. in recent years. Rates of decline in enrollment vary widely between states, with millions removed from the Medicaid program over two years in highly populated states, while other states have seen smaller, but still notable, decreases. Experts and policymakers both have warned how the growing number of Americans without health insurance will not only grow following the passage of President Donald Trump's budget bill, which will bring about major changes to the Medicaid program, but also how high uninsured rates will impact health outcomes and medical costs. File photo: three surgeons stand in an operating room with one making notes. File photo: three surgeons stand in an operating room with one making To Know In Ohio, there were 3,421,792 covered by Medicaid in March 2023, but by April 2025, that number was 2,802,277, KFF data shows. However, while this marked a drop of just over 600,000 Medicaid recipients, the enrollment levels had not returned back to prepandemic levels in April 2025, as they were still 8 percent higher than levels in February 2020—when there were 2,596,917 enrolled on the state's Medicaid program. These drops in Medicaid enrollment have been happening across the country after the COVID pandemic, when some states expanded the federal program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Federal rules forced states to keep recipients of the program enrolled, regardless of changes to eligibility, until March 2023. That month, states were then allowed to start an "unwinding process," where those no longer eligible for the program were disenrolled. However, concerns have been raised about the process with which recipients were pushed off the program in various states, with some experts saying that many individuals who were still eligible for the program were removed from it due to the administrative burden of proving eligibility. While some of those disenrolled from the Medicaid program in Ohio may have had access to other forms of health insurance, such as through employment, many may have been left uninsured. As Trump's budget bill will make significant cuts to the Medicaid program, as well as bringing in new work requirements among other changes, there is increasing concern about America's most vulnerable not having access to affordable health care - particularly in rural areas where many hospitals are also at risk of closure. What People Are Saying Bruce D. Meyer, a professor in the Harris School of Public Policy and the College at the University of Chicago, told Newsweek: "There will be financial difficulties for hospitals and clinics as uncompensated care increases. Based on the best research, financial hardship of low-income individuals will rise, as will their depression and other mental illnesses. Most starkly, mortality of adults is likely to rise in the states with large cutbacks in Medicaid coverage." What Happens Next As the unwinding continues, more reductions in enrollment are expected across the country, elevating concerns about how the rates of uninsured Americans could impact health outcomes.
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business Wire
Michelle Stoughton Named President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem), a leading provider of health benefits for Ohio residents enrolled in the state's Medicaid managed care program, announced today that Michelle Stoughton has been named president of its Medicaid health plan. 'Michelle is a highly respected leader with extensive experience in healthcare policy and government,' said Jennie Reynolds, east region president of Anthem Medicaid. 'Her proven track record in Ohio and her dedication to community health make her exceptionally well-suited to lead our Medicaid operations in the state. We are confident in Michelle's ability to drive innovation, foster strong partnerships, and improve the whole health of the Ohioans we serve.' In her new role, Stoughton assumes responsibility for all aspects of Anthem's Medicaid health plan operations in Ohio, ensuring its more than 200,000 members receive access to innovative, high-quality healthcare and support services. She will also lead efforts to strengthen relationships in the community with state leaders, providers, and other key stakeholders. Starting in 2026, Anthem will be one of four managed care organizations to provide services to Ohioans who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid healthcare coverage under its Next Generation MyCare Ohio program, in addition to continuing to provide benefits through the managed care program. 'Anthem's long-standing commitment to improving the health of Ohio communities is one I deeply share, and I'm honored to take on this leadership role,' said Stoughton. 'I look forward to working alongside our state partners, providers, members, and local organizations to strengthen access to high-quality care—both today and as we prepare to support some of Ohio's most vulnerable individuals in the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program beginning in 2026. Together, we'll continue to serve with compassion, elevate health outcomes, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Ohioans across the state.' Stoughton brings nearly 15 years of experience in healthcare policy to her new role. She most recently served as the regional vice president of government relations for Anthem in Ohio and managed the central region team of senior government relations directors for Anthem's parent company. Before that, Stoughton served as the Midwest director for Albers & Company and as government relations director for the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. She has also served as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives. Stoughton holds a bachelor's degree from Miami University and a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University. She volunteers as coordinator of All Saints Episcopal Church's In the Garden Program, a meal service for homeless individuals in downtown Columbus. About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at Also, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X at @AnthemBCBS.
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business Wire
Family Health Services of Darke County and AndHealth Celebrate Ribbon Cutting and Launch of Retail + Specialty Pharmacy at Expanded Greenville Location
GREENVILLE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Family Health Services of Darke County and AndHealth will celebrate the opening of Family Health Services' retail and specialty pharmacy on Thursday, August 7 th at 4:00 PM. The ribbon cutting will take place at Family Health Services' newly expanded Greenville facility, located at 5735 Meeker Road, and will be followed by an open house from 5:00 – 8:00 PM featuring light refreshments, family-friendly activities, and tours of the renovated space. "With this expansion, we're not just adding services, we're closing care gaps and removing barriers to health for our neighbors.' This milestone marks a major step forward in Family Health Services' mission of Building Healthy Lives Together. This expansion adds 44,000 square feet of clinical space, modernizes the patient experience, and introduces expanded pharmacy services, including the launch of Darke County's only specialty pharmacy. These enhancements will significantly improve access for patients managing chronic and complex conditions, particularly those impacted by long-standing pharmacy shortages in rural Ohio. Family Health Services' specialty pharmacy services are powered by a partnership with AndHealth, a Columbus-based healthcare company that helps CHCs radically improve access and outcomes to specialty care. Ohioans can now fill their prescriptions directly through Family Health Services' pharmacy, where affordable medications are available to all patients under Family Health Service's sliding fee scale. 'There is an immense value in having specialty care and pharmacy services directly within our community,' said Jared Polick, Executive Director and CEO of Family Health Services. 'Residents of Darke County will now be able to receive care close to home and have the personal support of local clinical pharmacists and specialists. With this expansion, we're not just adding services, we're closing care gaps and removing barriers to health for our neighbors.' The updated Greenville facility now offers integrated medical, behavioral health, dental, rheumatology, dermatology, neurology, and pharmacy services under one roof – creating a true whole-person care environment that prioritizes convenience, coordination, and affordability. Addressing Ohio's Pharmacy Deserts and Improving Medication Access According to new data 1 released by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, pharmacy closures have accelerated, and the state has lost hundreds of pharmacies over the past several years, leaving Ohioans with less than 2,000 retail pharmacies. Nearly 2 million Ohioans live in 'pharmacy deserts', or areas that lack convenient access to a pharmacy. 2 These access deserts disproportionately impact individuals in socially vulnerable communities, who face additional barriers to access and care, making the role of pharmacies located at CHCs even more central to improving community health in Ohio. AndHealth partners with Community Health Centers (CHCs) like Family Health Services to expand access to care by addressing pharmacy and care deserts. 'Ensuring our patients have access to affordable medications can only be accomplished when we reverse the trend of pharmacy consolidation and closure,' said Brenda Reitz, Family Health Services' Pharmacy Director. 'This pharmacy expansion allows us to support the community in new ways and ensures our neighbors needs can be met right here in Darke County.' Family Health Services' ribbon cutting will take place at its 5935 Meeker Rd location in Greenville at 4:00 P.M. on August 7 th with an open house to follow from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. The event is open to all, and guests are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Kalie Riffle at kriffle@ About Family Health Services Family Health Services is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to building healthier lives through integrated, affordable care. With locations across Darke County, FHS provides comprehensive services – including medical, dental, behavioral health, specialty care, and pharmacy – to patients of all ages, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. To learn more, visit About AndHealth AndHealth helps Community Health Centers (CHCs) radically improve access and outcomes for patients in specialty care and specialty pharmacy, while becoming an even larger and more clinically integrated part of our healthcare system. This Whole-Person Community Care Model provides everything CHCs need to deliver in-house specialty care and specialty pharmacy, built for the unique needs of our medically underserved populations. The model provides CHCs with more patients, more clinical capabilities, alignment with health systems, and sustainable reimbursement and funding that restores the integrity of the patient's medical home and their critical reimbursement model—both having shifted away from CHCs through external specialty referrals and contract pharmacies. In restoring this integrity, CHCs can tear down barriers to care and stretch scarce federal resources to reach more patients with comprehensive services that weren't possible before and that are desperately needed by patients. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, AndHealth is led by former CoverMyMeds co-founder and CEO Matt Scantland and the team that built Ohio's first healthcare technology unicorn, who have dedicated their lives to transformative innovation that improves access for patients. AndHealth is supported by key investors including the American Medical Association's innovation subsidiary, Francisco Partners, and the state of Ohio's economic development organization. To learn more, visit
