Restore funding for elder abuse hotline

Most Missourians are unaware that the state of Missouri maintains a "hotline" which can be used to report instances of abuse or neglect involving individuals who are elderly or handicapped. Most states operate the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In 2008 the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which maintains the hotline, was faced with funding cutbacks. One of the decisions made relative to these reductions was to eliminate the staffing for the elder abuse hotline for the hours of midnight until 7 a.m. If someone calls during those hours there is no one available to answer the call. A message must be left or a fax must be sent that will be addressed after 7 a.m. This is a dangerous situation for Missouri's elderly and handicapped citizens.

The Missouri Coalition for Quality Care (MCQC) recently conducted a survey and discovered that the states surrounding Missouri all have hotline staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are asking that Gov. Nixon and the Missouri Legislature restore the full funding for the Elder Abuse and Neglect hotline. Missouri's senior citizens deserve this important safety net. Another important hotline involving child abuse and neglect is fully staffed 24 hours a day seven days a week. Should the same be done for the elderly?

The answer to this question is yes.

Dave Damico, president, Missouri Coalition for Quality Care