Bogalusa AARP and the Bogalusa Social Security Office, in cooperation with the Washington Parish Council on Aging, will celebrate April as National Social Security Month.

The month is dedicated to educating the public about Social Security, its origin, why it exists, and the programs and services available to help the public “Secure Today and Tomorrow.” During the month of April, citizens are urged to “Get to know your Social Security,” with a focus on online transactions.

Social Security will also collaborate with groups and organizations around the country to host numerous events and activities to raise awareness about many valuable benefits, services and programs.

Emma Dixon, president of Bogalusa AARP, said “We recognize the importance of Social Security and its programs to our members and senior citizens and other residents in our community. We also emphasize the Celebrate National Social Security Month, and its theme — ‘Take 5 Steps Toward Your Financial Security: Security Today and Tomorrow.’”

Dixon said that the chapter in the past has coordinated an event with Latisia Dyson, district manager of the Bogalusa Social Security office. A few years ago, AARP sponsored an event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Social Security with Dyson, Dixon said.

In addition, the chapter will also celebrate National Minority Health Month. This year’s theme, released from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, is “Partnering for Health Equity.”

According to OMH director, Dr. Mathew Lin, partnerships at the national, state, tribal and local levels are vital to the work reducing health disparities. One event is “Preparing Healthy Meals with Community Grocery Stores,” to be held at the Save-A-Lot Grocery stores. AARP Bogalusa is planning to schedule an event with the local Save-A-Lot store, Dixon said.

AARP Louisiana is supporting House Bill 281, which will provide nursing home residents and their family members with an ability to install a monitoring device in their room and be a part of the resident’s care team. According to Andrew Muhl, Director of Advocacy for AARP Louisiana, the bill passed the House last week with support from State Rep. Malinda White (D-Bogalusa), and the legislation will be in the Senate for vote this week. Louisiana AARP and Bogalusa AARP Chapter 4032 is urging State Sen. Beth Mizell (R-Franklinton) to vote in favor of the bill.

The bill provides that the nursing home resident or the resident’s family member bears the cost of the camera and provides visual information when a nursing home resident, especially those who are unable to tell their story, is found with unexplained injury; and allows for video evidence that can exonerate nursing facility staff when injuries occur due to an accident or are the fault of the resident.

In Louisiana, an estimated 660,000 family caregivers provide care and support of loved ones. This bill will help families have virtual visitation with their loved ones, Dixon said.

Bogalusa AARP Chapter 4032 will hold its April meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, at the Bogalusa Senior Citizen Center, located at 603 Willis Ave. in Bogalusa.

For any additional questions, please contact Emma Dixon at 985-570-4218.