The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is committed to valuing and helping people—all people—as they age. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we’re doing everything possible to ensure that older adults have the provisions and services they need to remain safely in their homes.
We are also acutely aware of another, ongoing and longstanding issue: racism and oppression in our country. This ideology harms African Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, indigenous, and the other non-white older adults we serve.
Moving forward, the Council on Aging will continue to embrace diversity and inclusion. We must stand against the legacy of systemic bias, racism, and unequal treatment of any person, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
We will keep working toward equity in our community, knowing that it will take a longstanding and visionary commitment to change. It’s time to listen carefully not only to the diverse older adults and caregivers we serve but also all members of our community so we can be the best possible partner and champion of equality across Central Oregon.
We encourage all of us to learn more about what national and local organizations are doing such as (but not limited to) Black Lives Matter, Center for Policing Equity, Color of Change, Ella Baker Center, Equal Justice Society, and Impact Justice, COCC Clubs, Mecca Bend, Embrace Bend, CODEI, Central Oregon Diversity Project, and the Latino Community Association.
