Plymouth ––A longtime Plymouth State University Social Work professor has been named chairman of New Hampshire’s State Committee on Aging (SCOA). Dr. Stephen Gorin was named to the post by Governor John Lynch.
“I am pleased to have been able to appoint Dr. Stephen Gorin as chair of the State Committee on Aging. Dr. Gorin is an expert and a leader in the areas of social work and aging, and we are fortunate to have him, and his expertise, leading the committee,” said Governor Lynch.
Plymouth State University's Dr. Stephen Gorin named Chairman of the NH State Committee on Aging
“I look forward to working in this critical position,” said Gorin. “This is a difficult time for those concerned about addressing the needs of older adults. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the State Committee on Aging to advocate for our older adult population.”
Dr. Gail Mears, the founding dean of Plymouth State University’s College of Education, Health, and Human Services, said Gorin’s appointment is a tribute to his knowledge and leadership on issues affecting New Hampshire’s aged population.
“Dr. Gorin is a state and national leader in social work and is well-known for his work in public policy. He is a wonderful choice for this appointment,” Mears said.
The members of the SCOA identify concerns of older citizens and make recommendations to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) regarding policy and procedures to best protect the well being, rights and quality of life of older citizens.
SCOA and its individual members serve as effective advocates for the needs of NH elders by:
- Identifying and representing the needs of the elderly to state administrators and policy makers
- Facilitating local participation of older and disabled adults and their caregivers in the planning process for programs that meet their needs
- Interacting and collaborating with other elder issues interest groups
- Developing the State Plan on Aging and monitoring its implementation progress
- Conducting public hearings
- Promoting access to essential information
- Fostering consumer participation
Dr. Gorin has a long and distinguished history in social work and in health care policy, serving on President Clinton’s Health Care Task Force and the Advisory Council of the Center for Mental Health Services in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He served as a delegate for the White House Conference on Aging and on Social Security. Dr. Gorin has served as Editor-in-Chief of Health and Social since 2007.
Currently serving the NASW New Hampshire Chapter as executive director, Dr. Gorin is a past president of NASW New Hampshire and was the chapter’s Social Worker of the Year in 1992.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu
Overcast. Temperature: 63; Wind: NE at 3; Conditions as of Thu May 23 at 02:00 PM EDT