News from New York State Office for the Aging

For more information contact: Reza Mizbani, 518-474-7181

NYSOFA Director Awarded for Outstanding Service in the Field of Aging

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (10/27/2008; 0834)(readMedia)-- On Thursday, October 23, Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging was presented the Walter M. Beattie, Jr. Award at the 36th annual meeting of the New York State Society on Aging [SSA], held in Saratoga Springs, NY.

The Walter M. Beattie Jr. award honors a member of the SSA for outstanding contributions to gerontology and commitment to the work in the state and society.

The State Society on Aging of New York is a multidisciplinary society founded in 1972 as the New York State Association of Gerontological Educators (NY SAGE). For the past thirty six years, it has provided leadership in the field of aging, especially in promoting gerontology and geriatrics education.

The State Society on Aging members represent a range of disciplines including educators, older adults, health and social service professionals, advocates for the elderly, community leaders from the public and private sectors, administrators in acute and long term care, researchers, government officials, policy makers, and students.

Upon receiving the award, Director Burgess noted, "It is indeed an honor to receive this award, so named for one of the most outstanding gerontologist of our time, and a gentleman who worked his entire adult life to advance the study of aging with a goal of improving the lives of older persons across all boundaries."

Michael Burgess was appointed to serve as the Director of the New York State Office for the Aging in February 2007. As Director of the State Office for the Aging, Mr. Burgess oversees the administration of federal and state funded programs designed to assist the more than 3.2 million elderly residents in the state, as well as programs that assist family members and others involved with helping elderly residents that are in need of greater levels of assistance. The Office for the Aging assists older New Yorkers to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible, through advocacy, and the development and delivery of programs and services which support and empower the elderly and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations which serve them.

Prior to joining the Office for Aging, Mr. Burgess was the Executive Director of the New York State Alliance for Retired Americans, and for several years prior to that, was the Executive Director of the New York StateWide Senior Action Council. In those positions, he played a major role in the passage of landmark state legislation, including the EPIC prescription drug program and subsequent expansion of the EPIC program.

For more information about the State Society on Aging, visit www.ssany.org

Attachments

Michael Burgess (l) receives the Walter M. Beattie, Jr. Award from Deborah Heiser, PhD, President; and Tom Caprio, MD., incoming President of State Society on Aging of New York