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A proclamation recognizing the month of June as Elder Abuse Prevention Month in Van Zandt County was approved unanimously June 8 by the VZC Commissioners Court during its regular meeting. The proclamation, sponsored by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, was read by VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick and it reads as follows: “Whereas, People who are elderly or have disabilities have contributed to the general welfare of VZC by helping to preserve customs, convictions, and traditions of many people from diverse backgrounds; and “Whereas, these residents are vital and integral members of our society and their wisdom and experience have enriched our lives; and “Whereas, Abuse of the elderly and people with disabilities in domestic and institutional settings is a wide-spread problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the country; and “Whereas, Texas APS In-Home Caseworkers in VZC have investigated 366 intakes of which 137 cases of Abuse, Neglect and/or Exploitation were confirmed against our elderly Texans or those with disabilities in 2021; “Whereas, Elder abuse is grossly underreported because the elderly who are being abused find it very difficult to tell anyone and are usually ashamed and sometimes afraid; and “Whereas, Elder abuse happens to men and women of all income levels, all cultural and ethnic groups, whether they are in good health or incapacitated in some way, in poor neighborhoods and in suburbia; and “Whereas, many of the cases investigated by Adult Protective Services in Texas involve self-neglect and it is our duty as citizens to reach out to people in need; “Now, Therefore, I, Don Kirkpatrick, VZC Judge, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2022 to be Elder Abuse Prevention Month in VZC and urge all citizens to work together to help reduce abuse and neglect of people who are elderly or have disabilities.” The motion to approve the proclamation was made by VZC Pct.
