St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

As Michigan responds to COVID-19, Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) held a virtual town hall in late August to help answer questions and address concerns Southwest Michigan seniors have on how the state is responding to the pandemic, according to MiSenateGOP.

LaSata's virtual town hall lasted an hour, during which she gave updates on health care professionals and services seniors can take advantage of right now. She also addressed questions seniors had and took a "real-time poll" to discover other issues and concerns seniors are having during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“We had over 1,700 participants during our COVID-19 tele-town hall,” LaSata said, according to MiSenateGOP. “I appreciate that so many area seniors took the time to listen, ask questions and share their opinions. I am also grateful we were joined by representatives from four health care and senior services agencies, who shared their knowledge and insight about COVID-19 and other issues important to our seniors.”

Sen. Kim LaSata | #MiSenateGOP

LaSata discussed healthy food options for senior citizens, in addition to the importance of social distancing while taking advantage of opportunities to socialize outdoors. She also informed seniors about mental and physical health resources they can be taking advantage of during the pandemic. 

Special guests also attended to virtual town hall, including the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns and the Cass County Council on Aging Care Services Team Leader Lori Hardy. 

LaSata also hosted the Area Agency on Aging 3C Director Laura Sutter and the Joseph County Commission on Aging Executive Director Tim Stoll. The last special guest to be featured was AAA Region IV Executive Director Christine Vanlandingham.

While the town hall has already already taken place, LaSata posted the audio version on MiSenateGOP for anyone else interested in hearing the concerns of seniors and the resources available to them.