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August 5, 1999	Contact: Jim Newman (503) 494-8231 newmanj@ohsu.edu
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SUMMER WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON OREGON'S AGING POPULATION Program Educates Health Care Providers about Seniors Portland, Ore. - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 400,000 senior citizens call Oregon home. In the next quarter century, that number is expected to double, and then some. That's why the Oregon Geriatric Education Center, a consortium involving Oregon Health Sciences University, is preparing today's physicians, nurses, social workers and other health professionals for tomorrow's elderly population boom. Those who work closely with Oregon's senior citizens are invited to attend the center's annual summer institute. The session runs August 16-19 at the Casey Eye Institute on the campus of OHSU. Attendees will hear the latest information on communication disorders, sleep disorders, pharmacology, and function and mobility, along with a host of other issues. Since it's inception in 1989, the Oregon Geriatric Education Center has focused on improving the quality of life for the elderly through educational programs for health care providers. The OGEC has sponsored or co-sponsored almost 100 educational programs reaching nearly 4,000 people in the last four years. Health professionals have the option of attending all four days of the summer institute or individual day-long sessions. There is a fee to participate. Call (503) 721-7821 for additional information.