Wolf Administration Launches New Online Training
for Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse
to Mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Harrisburg, PA — In response to and in recognition of Governor Wolf’s Executive Order on Vulnerable Populations, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging has created a free, online Mandatory Abuse Reporting training module to help aging and human services providers recognize and report elder abuse.

The training is being publicly launched on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which is commemorated on June 15 each year. WEAAD is an opportunity for people and organizations to take action to protect older adults by raising awareness about elder abuse, why it occurs, and what can be done to stop it. Learn more about WEAAD activities and resources here.

“The Wolf Administration is committed to empowering individuals to take action to end elder abuse on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and every day,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “We’re marking this important day by launching a new training tool to empower those who work with older adults to recognize the signs of elder abuse, understand their reporting responsibilities, and take action.”

The training will be available, but not limited, to providers, employees and administrators of long-term care facilities; personal care homes, home health care agencies; adult day centers, domiciliary care residences and collaborative partners. Although the training is intended for mandated reporters, anyone who is interested in protecting older adults from abuse can take the training. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) leadership provided input and feedback on the module’s content and design.

“Mandated reporters play a critical role in keeping vulnerable Pennsylvanians safe, and we must equip them with the tools they need to carry out this duty effectively,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “I hope this training will be a valuable resource that empowers mandated reporters around Pennsylvania to speak up when necessary and keep they people they serve safe from abuse and neglect.”

The module was developed to reach a broad audience from entry-level to seasoned professionals. The training takes about 30 minutes to complete and includes knowledge checks throughout to ensure that participants understand the information. A printable certificate recognizing the successful completion of the training module is available. This training module will also help to ensure that facilities are compliant with licensure requirements.

The training is available on the PDA Learning Management System (LMS).  Anyone with an existing account may access the Mandatory Abuse Reporting Training Course by clicking here to login. Individuals who do not have an established PDA LMS training account, and are not associated with a AAA can click here to request an account.

The following are relevant facts about elder abuse and its investigation in Pennsylvania, as reported by the Department of Aging’s Protective Services Office: 

• The total number of reports of alleged abuse received by the AAAs during fiscal year 2018 -19 was 49,909, a 12% increase from fiscal year 2017-18.
• The most frequent alleged/reported type of abuse was caregiver neglect (29.7%) followed by exploitation (27.1%). The most frequent substantiated types of abuse were neglect (self-neglect, 38.2% and caregiver neglect, 21.3%) followed by physical abuse (19.2%).
• The age group most reported to be in need of protective services during fiscal year 2018-19 was between the ages of 71 and 80 (32.4%). The majority were Caucasian (79.7%) and female (64%). Many alleged victims resided in their own homes (45%), were widowed (37%), or were living alone (42%). The data also reveals that 42.5% of substantiated perpetrators were between the ages of 30-59 and 54% were female. Of all designated perpetrators, 13% were identified as family members and 7% were identified as a female caretaker.

Sec. Torres also noted that the Older Adult Protective Services Program continues to protect older adults through the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone suspecting elder abuse should call the statewide reporting hotline at 1-800-490-8505, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage here for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Learn more about the various programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging here.

Department of Health Announces Additional Partnerships to Assist with COVID-19 Response

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced a partnership with General Healthcare Resources to assist with the COVID-19 response.

“We are so pleased to have this level of collaboration and assistance from General Healthcare Resources,” Dr. Levine said. “COVID-19 is a particularly challenging situation for congregate settings, particularly our long-term care facilities. These teams are assisting us in our response in the hardest-hit areas as we work to protect the public health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

General Healthcare Resources will be deploying onsite assessment teams to assist with infection control practices, staffing and PPE training needs. The team will also assist with specimen collection and urgent staffing needs. The Department of Health will be funding the 41 individuals that will be deployed for one year.

“We’re honored to be supporting this program and are committed to providing the state of Pennsylvania with the professional, qualified staff they need to meet this challenge within the senior community,” said Laura Magner, President and COO of General Healthcare Resources. “If you’re an experienced RN, LPN, Medical Assistant, CNA, EMT or other healthcare professional interested in joining this effort, please contact us at 800-879-4471.”

In addition to General Healthcare Resource’s support, the department has also been working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since May 20, HHS assessment and action teams have been providing onsite support and training to long-term care facilities in the commonwealth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Repeating shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

As of 12:00 a.m., June 14, there were 78,798 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide in 67 counties and 6,215­ confirmed deaths. Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 and older. More data is available here.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Floridians mark Trump’s birthday with flotillas, caravans
Associated Press undefined
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Trump supporters in Florida were celebrating the president’s birthday Sunday with caravans, flotillas and parades throughout his adopted homestate. In Palm Beach County _ home of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort _ separate caravans of trucks, motorcycles and boats were riding along highways and the intercoastal waterway at various times in the morning. The organizers were part of the president’s Florida re-election effort. An anti-Trump caravan also was riding through the county on Sunday to protest racism and call for police reforms. Pro-Trump flotillas also were planned for Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Florida Keys, Tampa, Pensacola and Jacksonville.

Perils of police at high speeds spur calls for more reform
By MICHAEL TARM AP Legal Affairs Writer
CHICAGO (AP) — Crashes involving Chicago police vehicles that killed retired teacher Verona Gunn last year and a young mother this month highlight the dangers of police speeding to crime scenes or during car chases. Gunn’s son says it’s a police reform issue that’s not getting the same attention as officers’ use of excessive force. Audio obtained by The Associated Press of police radio transmissions reveal that speeding officers were repeatedly told by a dispatcher to slow down before the crash that killed 84-year-old Verona Gunn. The Bureau of Justice Statistics says more than 7,000 people were killed in police-related crashes in the U.S. from 1996 to 2015.

Mayor criticizes group ‘protecting’ Columbus statue
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A group of people gathered around a statue of Christopher Columbus in south Philadelphia over the weekend, saying they intended to protect it from vandals amid the recent protests but drawing criticism from the city’s mayor. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that about 100 people clustered around the statue of the explorer at Marconi Plaza on Saturday, some with guns and baseball bats. Thomas Easterday said the goal was “protecting the statue from these rioters who want to take it down.” On Sunday, Mayor Jim Kenney said on Twitter “All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city.”

Story and Photo by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center Twp., Pa.) A single family frame home  was destroyed by fire on  Main Street in Center Township Friday night Firefighters were alerted at 7 :55 p.m..  Fire Chief Bill Brucker said an external source caused the fire that made its way into the home., the family’s border collie alerted the husband and wife who made it out of the structure safely.   A firefighter went into the burning structure and rescued the dog., and  efforts to save the dog  were  applied.  The residents took the border collie  to a veterinary clinic, where it passed away Chief Brucker said

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 336 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 78,798

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 14, that there are 336 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 78,798.

There are 6,215 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 4 new deaths.

Locally in Beaver County we do not have any new cases and remain at 611. 592 Cases Confirmed and 19 probable. 4781 people have tested negative and the county stands at 75 deaths.

In the 3 Nursing homes in the county that are reporting positive cases there are 391 positive cases. 42 employees have tested positive, and the death toll remains at 82.

Ashley Marina, a multifaceted 12-year old American singer-songwriter and  Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School student will perform on America’s Got Talent on NBC Tuesday June 16th, 2020.  Ashley has performed in Lincoln Park productions and has sung at Light-Up night in Beaver among many other appearances throughout the Pittsburgh area.  While the show is well known to recruit talent from around the world, Ashley who resides with her parents in Kennedy Twp.,  is believed to be only the second solo act to make it onto the America’s Got Talent stage from the Pittsburgh area in the 15 year history of the show, with now world renowned Jackie Evancho being the first a decade ago. This season’s celebrity judges consist of the creator Simon Cowell, award winning actress Sofía Vergara, international fashion icon Heidi Klum, and veteran comedian Howie Mandel with host actor Terry Crews.  The show airs at 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT. Tune in and show Ashley your support.

Atlanta officer fired after fatal shooting of black man
By RUSS BYNUM and BRYNN ANDERSON The Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — An Atlanta police officer has been fired following the fatal shooting of a black man and a second officer was placed on administrative duty. The move announced by police early Sunday comes on the heels of the resignation of Atlanta’s police chief following the killing of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks. Police identified the fired officer as Garrett Rolfe. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she doesn’t believe the shooting was justified. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Brooks resisted arrest after he failed a field sobriety test and a struggle ensued over a Taser. Police say 36 people were arrested at Saturday night protests. Police have released body camera and dash camera footage.

Minneapolis officers quit in wake of George Floyd protests
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — At least seven Minneapolis polices have quit and another seven are in the process of resigning, citing a lack of support from department and city leaders as protests over George Floyd’s death escalated. Current and former officers told The Minneapolis Star Tribune that officers are upset with Mayor Jacob Frey’s decision to abandon the Third Precinct station during the protests. Demonstrators set the building on fire after officers left. Protesters also hurled bricks and insults at officers. Numerous officers and protesters have been injured. Mylan Masson, a retired Minneapolis officer and use-of-force expert, says officers don’t feel appreciated.