OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Older women in southeastern Oklahoma will have an opportunity to voice concerns and express desires for services during the first of a series of public-listening conferences sponsored by the Oklahoma Older Women’s Initiative, OWI.

The first in a series of listening conferences to be held throughout the state begins at 10:30 a.m., Aug 26, at the Kiamichi Technology Center, 301 Kiamichi Dr. in McAlester, Okla. The Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma (KEDDO) Area Agency on Aging is hosting the event in conjunction with OWI, an advisory group to OKDHS’ Aging Services Division and AARP Oklahoma.

The purpose of the listening conference is to give older women the opportunity to have input in needs assessment and to make recommendations to promote the development and expansion of programs that respond to the emotional, physical and financial needs of older Oklahoma women throughout the state and to enhance public awareness of the needs of older Oklahoma women.

The Older Women’s Initiative was created in 1996 to enhance the quality of life for older Oklahoma women by developing an action agenda that addresses their current and future needs. Members include representation from state and local government, financial institutions, education and advocacy groups such as AARP Oklahoma and the State Council on Aging, business leaders and law enforcement.

Pat Hawkins, Oklahoma City, serves as OWI chair. She and Mary-Em Bristow, OWI member from McAlester, will moderate the event.

Interested persons may contact Kim Rose, director of KEDDO Area Agency on Aging, for more information at (928) 465-2367.

###