The wearing of purple brought a focus to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at a variety of Ottawa County agencies dealing with programs and care for the elderly. Included were the staffs at Ottawa County Job and Family Services (above) and the Riverview Healthcare Campus (below).

Many agencies around Ottawa County marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day recently with an effort to “Turn Ottawa County Purple” at the urging of the Ottawa County Task Force on Aging.

The movement was designed to make people aware of elder abuse in the county, around the state and all over the country, according to Director Dianne Mortensen of Ottawa County Senior Resources. The national theme of the movement was “Lifting Up Voices,” to spotlight elder abuse that affects one in five senior citizens, whose cases have been reported to authorities.

Area agencies that supported World Elder Abuse Awareness Day included Ottawa County Job and Family Services, Riverview Healthcare Campus, Ottawa County Senior Resources, Ottawa County Common Pleas Court, Magruder Hospital, The Salvation Army, and the Ottawa County Extension Office.

Elder abuse can be reported in Ottawa County by calling 419-707-8639 or 1-855-644-6277.