Action for Older Person’s New Executive Director on Southern Tier Close Up

Action for Older Persons has a new Executive Director who is no stranger to the agency or to Broome County.

Robbie Smolinsky is the guest on the weekly, local public affairs program, Southern Tier Close Up to talk about the job he's held since August but was actually introduced to as an intern during his senior year at Binghamton University.

The Johnson City native explains the difference between the nonprofit group that advocates for older residents and the Broome County Office for Aging, which is a department in Broome County Government.

The two groups, however, do work very closely together.

Smolinsky says while the initials are in the same but in a different order, there are different missions with Action for Older Persons an invaluable source of insurance information, especially during open enrollment for Medicare.  The group also works as an advocate for residents of care facilities and has been finding a lot of new requests for assistance as nursing homes have faced unique issues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

As with just about everyone dealing with life in a pandemic world, Smoinsky says Action for Older Persons is quickly learning and evolving in what issues and services it is dealing with and the mechanisms for addressing needs in the community.

People can learn more about the services of AOP online at www.actionforolderpersons.org or by calling (607) 722-1251.

Southern Tier Close Up is heard Saturdays at 12:04 p.m. on News Radio 1290 WNBF and anytime on the WNBF podcast.