Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
May 4, 2005, Vol. 05-72

2005 White House Conference on Aging invites Public to Participate as "At Large Delegates"

The Policy Committee of the 2005 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) invites the public to apply to be "At-Large Delegates" to the historic 2005 WHCoA, scheduled to occur October 23-26 in Washington, D.C. The 2005 WHCoA will host 1200 delegates who will vote on resolutions and develop implementation strategies to be presented to the President and Congress to help guide national aging policies for the next decade and beyond. The 2005 WHCoA is the fifth in history and the first of the 21st century.

Governors of all 50 States, the U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, Members of Congress and the National Congress of American Indians will select the majority of the delegates. The balance of the delegates (At-Large) will be chosen by the WHCoA Policy Committee, a 17-member, bipartisan Committee appointed by the President and Congress to direct the WHCoA.

"The Policy Committee is seeking thoughtful and creative delegates who will make significant contributions to shaping the future of aging in America. Individuals who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and willing to tackle challenges that lie ahead are encouraged to apply for consideration," said Dorcas R. Hardy, Chairman of the Policy Committee. At-Large Delegates will represent baby boomers, academic institutions, business and industry as well as national aging and other allied organizations, disability, non-profit and veterans' organizations and others with an interest and stake in the aging of America.

The 2005 WHCoA is mandated by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 to focus on the aging of today and tomorrow, including 78 million baby boomers who will begin to turn 60 in 2006. WHCoA Executive Director Scott V. Nystrom added, "The 2005 WHCoA will ensure that the delegates represent a broad cross-section of the population so that the interests of both current and future seniors are addressed."

Individuals interested in being considered by the Policy Committee may apply by contacting the WHCoA office at 301-443-9462, by mail at 4350 East West Highway, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814, or by email at Info@whcoa.gov to receive a copy of the form. Individuals may self nominate or nominate others to be considered as At-Large Delegates. The deadline for submission of At-Large Delegate applications is June 1. The WHCoA Policy Committee will select At-Large Delegates by June 30, 2005.

For more information on the White House Conference on Aging, please see: http://www.whcoa.gov/
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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.