Record Turnout for Linda Sánchez Senior Fair (Aug. 14, 2012)
Congresswoman Hosts 10th Annual Event
Cerritos, CA – Today,more than 1,000 local seniors attended Congresswoman Linda Sánchez' 10th Annual Senior Fair at the Cerritos Center for Performing Arts to get free health screenings, receive information and legal advice, and consult with representatives from federal agencies. Today's turnout is the highest number of seniors to ever participate in Congresswoman Sánchez Annual Senior Fair.
"I look forward to this event because it's a chance to provide seniors with the services and information they need, and every year, we hear incredible success stories," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "A few years ago, a constituent took a free prostate screening at our senior event and was shocked to find out that he had prostate cancer. Fortunately, the screening detected the cancer early and he was able to get treatment and recover successfully."
Over 52 vendors were on site at this year's Senior Fair, including some providing free screenings for bone density, blood pressure, sun damage, and glucose levels. Other vendors provided information to seniors regarding financial planning, reverse mortgages, elder rights, housing rights, and caregiver assistance. Representatives from the IRS and Social Security Administration answered individual questions and the Center for Healthcare Rights gave information regarding Medicare and prescription drugs.
"There has been a lot of talk from House Republicans lately about ending Medicare and Social Security as we know it," said Rep. Sánchez. "I want to make sure seniors know the facts. Turning Medicare into a voucher system would increase costs for seniors and end Medicare's promise to secure health coverage for those who contributed through a lifetime of hard work."
Today, Congresswoman Sánchez also spoke about a bill she's planning to re-introduce that would allow seniors who are eligible to receive home health care services from Medicare to choose adult day care services instead. The "Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act" would provide a new option without adding to the cost of Medicare.
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