Regional Chamber Establishes Senior Care Coalition

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce has established a new coalition designed to advocate for better care of the region’s senior/elderly population.

The Tri-City Senior Care Support Coalition is made up of industry and community leaders, including: Carol Moser (Executive Director, Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health), Roy Wu (Owner, Advent Care & Home Instead Senior Care), LoAnn Ayers (President and CEO, United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties), Johannah Weeks (Co-Owner, Chinook Home Care), and Kirk. F. Williamson (Program Manager, Benton-Franklin Community Health Alliance).

On Wednesday, May 13, the coalition sent a letter to U.S. Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell and Representative Dan Newhouse. The letter outlined three issues for consideration: 

1. Classify Care Givers as Healthcare Workers
   
2. Include hazard pay, stipends, and/or tax relief for Care Givers (Healthcare Workers) for future legislation to incentivize hiring
   
3. Provide support for local supply chain sourcing of PPE’s to senior care facilities

As COVID-19 has ripped through the region, the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce has been tirelessly working to support its members as well as the community at large.

“As the voice for business in the Tri-Cities, the Regional Chamber strives to bridge the divide between businesses and available resources. Sometimes during this process, gaps in service and resources are revealed – and we help fill them,” said Lori Mattson, President and CEO of the Regional Chamber.