The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging is piloting a new communications platform to expand area residents’ access to Older Adult Services. The new service, which will allow for text messages, voice calls and email in up to 80 languages, launched on April 17 with a rollout text message to all county seniors who are currently registered with the department’s SeniorLine database.
The new platform will help Aging communicate information about its services, provide referrals, and quickly collect survey data for service feedback. Older adults will receive timely assistance, Home Delivered Meal updates, information about farmers’ market vouchers, housing and utility resources, and information to stay engaged with activities through the many Senior Centers in Allegheny County.
“In this day and age, it’s easy to miss out on valuable opportunities or simply to forget an event someone had intended to attend,” comments Dr. Shannah Tharp Gilliam, Director of Aging Services at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. “We hope this new approach to communicating important news reaches our consumers with consistent, up-to-date information on solutions for basic needs, and social and education activities to help them stay connected.”
Text messages from the platform will appear on users’ phones with the identifier “Allegheny Aging” and come from (412) 356-9046. Messages will not be used for any solicitation or requests for payment of any kind and recipients will be able to opt out of these communications, if desired.
The platform was created in partnership with Blooming Health, a comprehensive global communication solutions platform for organizations that serve those who are aging in place.
“We are honored to collaborate with Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging to support their vision of providing programs and services to older adults and their families to promote independence, optimal health and wellness in a safe and secure environment,” states Nima Roohi, CEO of Blooming Health. “By fostering inclusive engagement, we can amplify the support services available to older adults and ensure more people across the county can benefit from these valuable resources.”
For additional information or to sign up for texts and other communications, contact DHS-AlleghenyAging@alleghenycounty.us. To learn more about Blooming Health, visit gobloominghealth.com.