Co-Chair Nancy Hooks and Congressional Sponsor Rick Lazio Receive Honors
from the American Association of Service Coordinators

Nancy Hooks and Rick Lazio pose with their awards

Commissioner Steve Protulis (Right) and Larry McNickle of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and AASC Board Member (left) pose for a quick photo with former Congressman Lazio.

Washington, D.C. - Congressional Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Facility Needs for Seniors in the 21st Century Co-Chair Nancy Hooks of Cohoes, New York received AASC's "Award of Excellence" and former Congressman Rick Lazio received the Service Coordinators' "Distinguished Service Award." Both Hooks and Lazio have been champions for service coordination, a vital link in the continuum of care for all seniors. Service coordinators assist seniors, families and the disabled in accessing government, non-profit and private sector supportive services that are necessary to their well-being.

Co-Chair Nancy Hooks is Regional Vice President for the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Nancy has been working on senior housing and health issues for years in New York and across the nation. She has drafted legislation to promote service coordination in New York and worked with Lazio to enhance federal efforts.

Hooks took the opportunity to highlight the Commission's efforts, stating "the Seniors Commission has begun to look at the policies that have worked and those that have failed in providing housing and services to the elderly over time. But, perhaps most importantly, we will consider alternative approaches to effectively address the future." Service coordination will likely be a lynchpin in future efforts to address the needs of the baby boomer generation.

This was the sixth AASC conference and largest to date and drew interested parties from across the nation. Also participating in the conference were Commissioners Rita Poundstone of Denver, Colorado and Steve Protulis of Washington, DC. Both Commissioners have been strong advocates of effective service coordination.

The Seniors Commission held a field hearing in Syracuse, New York this past July and in Columbus, Ohio in September. Co-Chair Hooks and her fellow Co-Chair Ellen Feingold of Boston will be presiding over the next hearing on November 7 in San Diego, California.