American Geriatrics Society To Honor AARP CEO William Novelli With 2008David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 29 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The American Geriatrics Society will honor AARP Chief Executive Officer William Novelli with its David H. Solomon Distinguished Public Service Award on May 2, during AGS' Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC. The meeting, which runs April 30 through May 4, is the premier conference on aging research.

Named for the founding director of the Center on Aging at the UCLA School of Medicine, the David H. Solomon Award goes to an individual or organization committed to public service and promoting the health and well being of older adults. After receiving the award, Mr. Novelli will deliver the meeting's annual Public Policy Lecture.

"We at the AGS are honored to present this year's David H. Solomon Award to Mr. Novelli who, with AARP, has done so much to enhance the lives of older people," said AGS President-Elect John B. Murphy, MD, professor of medicine and family medicine at Brown Medical School.

Mr. Novelli took the helm at AARP in 2001-- it currently counts 39 million members, all 50 or older. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of older adults, AARP has long been among the most influential organizations in the nation. Under Mr. Novelli's leadership the nonprofit, among other things, advocated successfully for a Medicare prescription benefit. The benefit now covers more than 25 million older adults. Going further, AARP's current nationwide campaign, 'Divided We Fail, " aims to mobilize individuals of all ages to press government, the corporate sector, nonprofits and other individuals to find ways to ensure all Americans access to both healthcare and long-term financial security. The AGS is proud to be among the organizations that have endorsed and are supporting the "Divided We Fail" campaign.

"Clearly AARP and AGS share many goals and we look forward to working together toward these goals," Dr. Murphy said, noting that AARP has supported and endorsed several AGS initiatives as well.

AARP supported the development of the recent Institute of Medicine study concerning the readiness of the nation's healthcare workforce to care for its aging population, a study AGS first proposed. AARP is also supporting a session devoted to pharmacotherapy during AGS' annual meeting, and helped raise awareness of and is supporting AGS' free falls-risk screening program at D.C.'s Union Station between 10 AM and 7 PM on May 2. During the program, medical students, other trainees, and fellows will screen visitors for risks of falls - a leading cause of serious and fatal injuries among older adults.

Mr. Novelli has been a leader in social action, social marketing, health advocacy and public relations throughout his career. He was founder and president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Executive Vice President of CARE - the world's largest private relief and development organization. He helped direct recruitment for the Peace Corps, VISTA, and volunteer programs for older Americans. He co-founded Porter Novelli, a public relations agency focused on social and health issues that is now among the world's largest PR agencies. He retired from the firm in 1990 to start a second career in public service. Mr. Novelli's book, 50+: Igniting A Revolution to Reinvent America encourages older Americans to work for the public good as well, by, among other things, advocating for changes that will transform healthcare in this country.

In keeping with its overarching goal of improving the health, independence and quality of life of older people, the AGS advocates for public policy ensuring older adults access to quality healthcare.

About AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices in geriatric medicine.

American Geriatrics Society