March 2009, Volume 3, Number 3

News and Events

Reminder-2009 Spring Research Retreat-March 23 and 24, Alumni Hall, HSEB

Please remember to attend our Spring research retreat. A flyer with the retreat schedule may be downloaded here.

An Open Invitation to Join the New Utah Geriatrics Society

The Utah Geriatrics Society (UGS) has been formed as a state affiliate of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). Tony Morrison, Ph.D. has taken the lead on its creation. The AGS has granted UGS provisional status for two years until it becomes incorporated, drafts bylaws and elects officers.

All CoA members are encouraged to join UGS now - especially since membership fees for the first year are waived. There are currently close to 40 members representing a wide range of disciplines. One of the main objectives of the state affiliate is to serve in the advocacy role on behalf of the elderly in policy issues regarding health care. It will also be involved in geriatric education for health care providers working in partnership with the Utah Aging Alliance. Please click here and join TODAY.

There will be a brief and informal (UGS) meeting at the end of the Center's poster session reception on March 23 (approximately 6:00 to 6:30 pm.) in Alumni Hall. Please come to find out more about the UGS plans for the coming year, volunteer to serve on one of its committees, or give suggestions on educational topics. We hope to meet you then.

Deadline for 2009 Pilot Grant Program Call for Proposals is March 31

The application deadline for proposals for the Center's 2009 pilot grant program is March 31, 2009. The complete request for proposals with detailed application information may be downloaded from the Center's home page, http://aging.utah.edu

CoA Faculty Member Receives Geriatrics Award

Paul LaStayo, PT, PhD, CHT received the 2009 Excellence in Research Award from the American Physical Therapy Association for his commitment to academic excellence in the field of geriatrics. LaStayo leads The Skeletal Muscle Exercise Research Facility (SMERF). The SMERF is focused on muscle, movement and human performance; specifically how muscles adapt and how these changes help or hinder human function in daily life and across the lifespan, following injury or disease, and in sport.

Senate Bill 111 (Geriatric Loan Forgiveness) Passes

SB 111 created a mechanism within the existing Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program to create a loan forgiveness program for health care professionals who obtain specialty training in geriatrics.

This bill was recommended by the Commission on Aging's Health Care Committee, which recognized that Utah is already facing shortages of health care professionals in nursing, medicine, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other related disciplines, and that these shortages will become worse as Utah's aging population grows. Although the bill created the program, funding was not requested given the financial challenges facing the State this year. You can read the text of the bill by clicking here.

About our logo: The bristlecone pine tree (Pinus longaeva) the earth's oldest inhabitant with a life span of 4,000 years is found only in Utah and five other western states. Its extraordinary longevity and ability to adapt and survive in extremely harsh environmental conditions above 10,000 feet embodies the investigative spirit and mission of the Utah Center on Aging.

If you have questions about the University of Utah Center on Aging, please visit us online at http://aging.utah.edu 801-585-9540 or aging@hsc.utah.edu

Best,

Mark A. Supiano, MD
Executive Director - Center on Aging