CEO Blog

GSA’s vice president of policy and professional affairs, Patricia “Trish” D’Antonio, was part of a select panel of experts convened recently by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to discuss increasing routine vaccinations. Among her many responsibilities, Trish serves as co-chair of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), which works to strengthen and enhance access to and increase utilization of vaccines among adults. Participation in coalitions like AVAC is one of many ways that GSA is able to amplify its advocacy efforts.

GSA invites you to join with us and many others nationwide as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. It was on March 22, 1972, that President Richard Nixon signed into law the measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for older adults aged 60 and above.

This legislation has helped to fund community-based programs — like Meals on Wheels — and has been responsible for the only federal program designed specifically to meet both the nutritional and social needs of older adults. Thank you to all of our members who have contributed to the success of this important work.

As part of Women’s History Month, we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. This year, the Smithsonian is recognizing women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers by displaying 120 life-size orange statues of female scientists around the National Mall here in Washington, DC.

I’ve seen this impressive outdoor exhibit several times and it made me think of the enormous contributions of women scholars in the field of gerontology. According to our latest demographic information, women comprise 71 percent of GSA’s membership, meaning so much of what our Society accomplishes can be attributed to their vision and leadership.

Like all members of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), we’ve watched in disbelief as the man-made disaster of the invasion of Ukraine has unfolded.

GSA stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the people of surrounding nations, and the global community in condemning the military invasion of Ukraine and calling for an immediate end to hostilities.

GSA is serving as a champion organization for Obesity Care Week (OCW) 2022, taking place from February 27 to March 5.

Obesity is a disease that continues to be stigmatized and many of those impacted struggle to receive any care, let alone adequate and appropriate care. OCW provides an opportunity to stimulate change. You can sign up for OCW alerts to receive the latest news, information, and resources that will be rolled out this week, and to take action in support of this important issue.