RECOGNIZING SANFORD CENTER GERIATRIC SPECIALTY CENTER

HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

March 17, 2016

Mr. HELLER: Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize the opening of the Sanford Center Geriatric Specialty Clinic, the first of its kind in the Silver State. This facility’s innovative and unique health care offerings will contribute greatly to Nevadans’ quality of life and help improve the quality of medical care offered to seniors across northern Nevada.

The Geriatric Specialty Clinic offers screenings and assessments on the University of Nevada, Reno campus inside the Center for Molecular Medicine. The facility provides geriatric assessment and care management to our elderly population, addressing a wide range of medical concerns, including arthritis, dementia, depression, high blood pressure, frailty, and more. The Clinic takes on a comprehensive approach, allowing social workers, primary care physicians, nurses, and psychologists to collaborate in order to make a comprehensive patient assessment. Effective communication within the facility connects both the physical and mental health of patients, creating a better understanding of the patient’s needs. The facility also supports patients with multiple chronic conditions, coordinating home and clinical services. In addition, the Sanford Center for Aging is spearheading the start of a telemedicine program to support our rural communities. Those leading the way at this Center stand as role models to our local community, demonstrating a genuine concern in improving the health and well-being of Nevadans. The state of Nevada is fortunate to have a facility like this available to our growing senior population.

The Silver State has one of the fastest-growing elderly populations in the country, which is why I am pleased to see the clinic is dedicated to caring for Nevada’s seniors throughout the aging process. As a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am committed to ensuring the needs of this community are met. The opening of the Sanford Center Geriatric Specialty Clinic is another step in providing Nevada’s seniors with the support they need and deserve. The groundbreaking care that this facility will provide is invaluable to northern Nevada.

Those serving at this Clinic have gone above and beyond to address the needs of our senior community.  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the opening of the Sanford Center Geriatric Specialty Clinic.