December 9, 2020
Description
The second stop in the MCOTA
volunteer driver virtual forum series, Minnesota’s Road to Volunteer Drivers, featured real-world stories about impacts of volunteer drivers throughout the state through several real-life stories and a discussion of state legislation to strengthen volunteer driver programs.
Forum Materials
Real-world videos
- Mike from Living at Home Network/Block Nurse Program, Stephen, MN (2:37 min)
- Jean T. and Joyce R. with CARE (Community Action Respecting Elders) in Foley, MN (1:57 min)
- Phatsada S. with Lao Advancement Organization of America (1:08 min)
- Marlys F. with CARE (Community Action Respecting Elders) in Foley, MN (36 seconds)
Toolkit
Speakers
Lori Vrolson, executive director of the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, has more than 27 years of experience in the field of aging. The Central Minnesota Council on Aging, which serves the 14 counties in the central region of Minnesota, administers the federal Older Americans Act funding program for nonmedical in-home services, provides Senior LinkAge Line® information and assistance, and develops innovative services and programs. Current focus areas include developing Lifetime Communities, expanding evidence-based chronic disease self-management resources, and assisting older adults as they transition across health and long-term care settings. Lori serves as past president of the Minnesota Gerontology Society, co-chair of the Minnesota Volunteer Drivers Coalition and chair of the Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Sherry Munyon is a capitol and legislative veteran with more than 35 years of experience covering a broad spectrum of policy and funding areas, including as a staffer for the Minnesota Senate, deputy director of the Regional Transit Board, a representative of private-sector interests, director of transportation and environment policy with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and a lobbyist. In 2006, Sherry started her own government relations firm, Capitol Access, Inc., concentrating on public safety, public transit and transportation, and adult education. Sherry has received several awards during her career, including from Women in Transportation, and she was named a top lobbyist by Minnesota Law & Politics. She also serves on the board of directors for Forward Global Women, a nonprofit supporting women leaders in political and civic life.
Senator Jeff Howe grew up on a farm near Chokio, Minnesota and attended St. Cloud State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. Howe was a member of the United States Armed Forces for 38 years, first in the Navy and later in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He retired in 2017 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was a member of the Rockville city council and is now a consultant. Howe was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2012. He did not seek re-election to the House in 2018 in order to seek election to the Minnesota Senate, which he won this fall. Senator Howe and family live in Rockville.
Dawn Simonson, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, has more than 25 years of experience in the field of aging, healthcare, and advocacy. Dawn is recognized for her leadership as an innovator and collaborator. Her priorities are to develop networks and other partnerships that support older adults to live healthy and secure lives at home.
Professional Development Hours
To the best of our knowledge, this event meets the continuing education requirements for 1.0 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) credit. If you participated in this virtual forum and would like to request a PDH form, please email kkirk@umn.edu. We will email the form.
More Information
Please contact Kaydee Kirk at 612-626-5854 or kkirk@umn.edu with any questions.
Sponsors
Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access (MCOTA) in partnership with the Minnesota Volunteer Driver Coalition.
