The local branch of SAGE, a national LGBTQ elder advocacy organization, held a reception April 4 to honor two organizational allies for their work to benefit LGBTQ elders.
The honorees were Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Ed Miller, Senior Programs Coordinator for the William Way LGBT Community Center.
SAGE, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, advocates for policies that address the special needs of LGBTQ elders, as well as lending help and advice to state and local governmental agencies in organizing and operating programs for LGBTQ seniors.
Levine was awarded the SAGE & Friends Pioneer Award for her work with the agency to enhance and expand state programs for elders. She is also noteworthy for being the first transwoman to hold such a prominent statewide office.
In her remarks, the state’s Levine emphasized the importance of the work SAGE does in enhancing the efficacy of the state’s elder programs, particularly in training the workers to cope with and address the special needs of LGBTQ elders.
“We have to support the most vulnerable in our community,” she said.
Also honored was Ed Miller, who oversees the various senior-related programs at William Way serves as the person for the continuing partnership between William Way and SAGE.
The reception was held at the Comcast Center. Also, Comcast co-sponsored the event.
— by Gary L. Day