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Bilirakis to Host Forums to Help Local Seniors

February 14, 2024

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis is proud to host his annual senior forum for residents of Florida’s 12th Congressional District.  Congressman Bilirakis will provide a brief legislative update on his work to help seniors, including fighting for the preservation of critical programs that support seniors, such as Medicare and Social Security.  Also, panelists from federal, state and local agencies will share useful information about: current scams using Artificial Intelligence to prey upon seniors; resources available to assist seniors with basic needs and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible; and updates on research into treatments for cancer, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.  Due to the geographical size of the district, there will be two senior forums this year.  Residents of Florida’s 12th Congressional District are invited to attend either forum; however, RSVP is requested by calling 727-232-2921.

February 22, 2024

10:00 am

St. Leo University Wellness Center

12338 Priory Circle

San Antonio, FL  33576

February 27, 2024

1:00 pm

Plantation Inn, Magnolia Room

9301 W Fort Island Trail

Crystal River, FL  34429

These events are open to the press.  A full list of panelists for both events is provided below:

Agenda for Pasco/Hernando Senior Forum

2/22/2024 at 10:00 am

St. Leo University Wellness Center

Welcome

Opening Remarks from Congressman Bilirakis

Senior Scams

5 Minute Presentation on Newest Scams: United States Postal Inspection Service by Damien Kraebel

5 Minute Presentation from FTC on Newest Scams using AI by Anna Burns, Southeast Regional Director (Virtual)

3 Minute Presentation from FCC on reporting senior scams by Timothy Strachan (Virtual)

3 Minute Presentation from CFPB on senior scams by Lisa Schifferle (Virtual)

Breakthrough Research In Diseases Impacting Seniors

5 Minute Presentation on New Alzheimer’s Research by Elisabeth Burnett, MSN, FNP-C, CRRN at USF

3 Minute Presentation on Alzheimer’s support services by Gary Leblanc

5 Minute Presentation on Newest Parkinson’s Research by Dr. Robert Hauser of USF’s Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center

5 Minute Presentation on New Cancer Research and Expansion Project by Dr. Elsa Flores at Moffitt

Resources for Seniors

Presentation on services for seniors through HELP Line by Ann Marie Winter, Area Agency on Aging

Presentation on services for seniors by Caren Castle of MidFlorida Community Services

Presentation on services for seniors by Jeff McKittrick of Pasco County Community Development

Presentation on services for seniors by Brian Hoben of Pasco County Social Services

Presentation on healthcare resources for seniors by Cheryl Pollock of Premier Health Care

Presentation on Medicare options for seniors by Geralyn Fortney of SHINE

Presentation on VDC Program by Debbie Jones and Romona Sutton of VA

Presentation on PACT Act Benefits and other resources by Tommy Robison of Pasco Veteran Services

Presentation on new Elderly Tax Exemption in Pasco by Mike Wells, Property Tax Appraiser

Presentation on Diabetes & Driving Awareness Presentation by Greg Laskoski

Question and Answer Session

Senior Forum Agenda

February 27th at 1:00 pm

Plantation Inn on Crystal River

Welcome

Opening Remarks from Congressman Bilirakis

Senior Scams

Presentation on Newest Scams: United States Postal Inspection Service by Damien Kraebel

Presentation from FTC on Newest Scams using AI by Anna Burns, Southeast Regional Director

Presentation from FCC on reporting senior scams by Timothy Strachan

Presentation from CFPB on senior scams by Matt Pfaff

Breakthrough Research In Diseases Impacting Seniors

Presentation on New Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Research by Dr. Ram Bishnoi of USF Byrd Alzheimer’s Center

Presentation on New Cancer Research and Expansion Project by Dr. Elsa Flores at Moffitt

Community Resources for Seniors

Presentation on Services for Seniors through HELP Line,  Leslie Andrews, of Elder Options

Presentation on Medicare options – Victoria Conklin of SHINE

Presentation on services for seniors by Janice Hale of Citrus County Senior Programs

Presentation by Caren Castle of MidFlorida Community Services

Presentation on VDC Program by Debbie Jones and Romona Sutton of VA

Presentation on PACT Act Benefits and other resources by Phil Watson of Citrus County Veteran Services

Presentation on Diabetes -Driving Awareness Presentation by Greg Laskoski

Question and Answer Session