AARP Recognized with Governor's Award

Association honored for its work to improve life for older Marylanders

BALTIMORE, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Maryland was honored with a Distinguished Service Award at today's Governor's Leadership in Aging Awards Ceremony.  The association was recognized as a leading voice on issues important to Marylanders age 50+, creating positive social change through information, advocacy and service.

"At AARP, our motto is to serve, not to be served," said AARP Maryland senior state director Rawle Andrews Jr., accepting the award from Governor Martin O'Malley and Secretary of Aging Gloria Lawlah. "This award spotlights and validates our efforts to serve older Marylanders, and will inspire the AARP family of volunteers and professional staff to continue fighting for a Maryland in which everyone can age with dignity and purpose."

"We are pleased to take this opportunity to recognize older Marylanders who serve as role models for their contributions in the visual and performing arts and in the area of physical fitness, as well as organizations such as AARP Maryland, whose work and advocacy on behalf of Maryland seniors has a positive and continuing impact on quality of life," said Secretary Lawlah.

The Governor's Leadership in Aging Awards were created to recognize outstanding contributions made by older Marylanders, and groups or organizations that serve them. AARP's selection for the award was based on the key roles its staff and volunteers have played over the years in expanding access to health care, improving long-term care, strengthening financial security measures, enhancing the livability of Maryland communities, protecting consumers of all ages, and defending funding for critical programs for older adults in Maryland.

"We are fortunate in Maryland that our leaders understand the value of our older citizens, and place a priority on serving their needs," Andrews concluded. "I am honored to accept this award in a spirit of partnership and continued collaboration on the behalf of older Marylanders."

The ceremony was held today at the Catonsville Senior Center in observance of May as Older Americans/Marylanders Month.

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP Maryland