708.361.0219
Community Health
COVID-19 & INFLUENZA:
Nearly nine in 10 deaths from COVID are among people 65 and over, and 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in older adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While lifesaving vaccines are available, research shows COVID vaccine uptake has slowed among older adults. To help promote COVID and flu vaccinations, National Council on Aging (NCOA) received $50 million in federal funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living to enlist its national network of senior centers and community-based organizations. Pathlights has joined this group to help make it as easy as possible for older adults and people with disabilities to get their shots and protect their health.
Our latest Pathlights-sponsored presentation from Dr. Michael Ison, MD MS FIDSA FAST, Chief, Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID), The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/National Institutes of Health (NIH): May 25, 2023.
Watch Now »
Do you have more questions? Visit coronavirus.illinois.gov
The Cook County Vaccine Sign-up Hotline: 833.308.1988 M-F 7am-7pm CT.
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Medication Safety:
People aged 65 years old and over take prescribed medications more frequently than any other age group in the United States. A lengthy list of pharmaceuticals prescribed by different doctors may result in bad interactions between drugs, improper dosages, and side-effects like dizziness and confusion that can lead to falls—all alarms signaling it’s time to reexamine your medications.
Pathlights offers a free program for anyone 60 years and over that enlists a pharmacist to review your medications and suggest any necessary changes. Call us at 708-361-0219 to learn more or email mmott@pathlights.org.
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Health equity:
Pathlights partners with Cook County Department of Public Health’s Building Healthy Communities to advance community solutions for racial and health equity. We are one of 10 organizations awarded funding for a year-long program that addresses behavioral health.
As part of this program, we created a new series of classes, “Tech Wise: Technology for Older Adults.” It is a 6-part instruction series with a curriculum created by Pathlights specifically for adults aged 60 and over. Co-hosted with local libraries, these classes aim to increase older adults’ comfort with using technology and provide them with tools to help age more successfully. They offer a place for students to connect, ask questions without feeling awkward, and learn at their own pace. Classes are expected to take place in Chicago Ridge, Blue Island, Bridgeview, and Robbins and Oak Lawn.
Pathlights’ Tech Wise program is supported in part by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to the Cook County Department of Public Health.
View the full list of services offered by Pathlights.
