Sacramento, Alameda Counties Pilot Web Site to Help Seniors, Disabled Access Services
Under a $2.2 million grant from the state Department of Aging, Sacramento and Alameda counties will pilot a new Web site designed to help seniors and people with disabilities access the social and medical services available from more than 800 agencies and programs, the Sacramento Bee reports. Bruce Bonzan, president of Trilogy Integrated Resources, which developed the site, said the Web site, called the Network of Care, will simplify navigation of the "fragmented" and "confusing" support system, which is funded by dozens of federal and state agencies. Until now, there has not been an information system to "tie all the pieces together," Bruce added. An estimated 340,000 residents of the two counties could find services they need on the Web site, which officials hope other counties and states will duplicate. Included on the site will be a complete list of all programs available to seniors and disabled citizens, an online library of journal articles addressing aging, medical conditions and care provision and an extensive catalog of available assistive devices. The site will also allow users to create a personalized health file with information about their medications and physician appointments, which family members or care providers can access with users' permission. The Web site will also provide information on proposed legislation, with links to allow users to easily email opinions and comments to legislators. The site is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin and can be accessed at www.sacramento.networkofcare.org (Teichert, Sacramento Bee, 8/13).
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