Community Connection Series at BPL Wednesday, September 14: Opportunities And Services For Older Adults

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) will continue its Community Connection Series this Wednesday, September 14, at the Central Library. This week's event, scheduled to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will focus on opportunities, resources, and services for older adults (aged 55 and up).

Organizations scheduled to host tables include ArchWell Health, the Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA), Legal Services Alabama (LSA), and UAB Alzheimer's Disease Center. 

The BPL's Community Connection Series takes place every Wednesday on the first floor of downtown's Central Library. Each week, the series brings together a handful of organizations to share information about opportunities, resources, and services related to specific subject.

Other subjects to be addressed this month consist of housing assistance and programs, substance abuse recovery, and early intervention. The events are free and open to the public.

ArchWell Health helps seniors lead healthier, happier lives through superior primary care. The company improves all aspects of its members' lives through a special kind of healthcare that focuses on wellness, community, and strong member/doctor relationships. ArchWell's innovative approach includes access to a full team that specializes in healthcare for seniors, doctors who help you stay healthy instead of just treating you when you're ill, help with accessing Medicare benefits and appointment scheduling, fitness classes and other wellness programs, and social activities. 

The United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) of Jefferson County is one of 13 such organizations in Alabama dedicated to meeting many of the unique needs of older citizens and those with disabilities. By way of thoughtfully planned combination of distinct and highly focused programs and services, UWAAA is helping people live healthier, more fulfilled and well-informed lives every day. 

Legal Services Alabama (LSA) is one of the preeminent legal aid organizations in the country involved in bridging the civil justice gap through its recognized commitment to racial, social, and economic justice. LSA collaborates with other firms across the state and nation to find solutions to systemic issues caused by poverty and social justice inequities. LSA staff attorneys will be on hand this Wednesday to provide free, client-centered, civil legal advocacy. 

The mission of the UAB Alzheimer's Disease Center is to overcome Alzheimer's disease and related disorders by conducting, fostering, and enabling research at UAB; through national collaborations; by providing the highest level of care to patients and families; and by educating both professionals and the public about aging, dementia, and brain health. 

The idea for the Community Connection Series sprang out of BPL's recent Citywide Resource Fair, which offered library patrons and the public a chance to gather information about resources available to them through community-based organizations. With over 400 guests in attendance and 70 organizations and businesses represented, the city's need for this type of event was unmistakable. BPL's next Citywide Resource Fair is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 1.

The Community Connection Series takes place every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Central Library. It is free and open to the public. 

By Margaret Splane | Library Assistant III, Development Department