COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION:
3/22/2021
As of Monday, March 22nd, the minimum age for those receiving the vaccine is extended to 50 years old. However, those 18 years of age or older may now register.
See the latest update from the Florida Health Department’s website HERE for specific information. The Polk County Health Department’s website had not been updated with this latest information at the time of this update to the our website.
3/10/2021
BE AWARE!!!
Scams related to Covid-19 are on the rise!!! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). You may visit their website HERE.
3/9/2021
As of Monday, March 15th, the minimum age for those receiving the vaccine is extended to 60 years old. However, those 18 years of age or older may now register.
See the latest update from the Polk County Health Department’s website HERE for specific information.
3/4/2021 UPDATE:
From:
Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Katie Worthington Decker
President/CEO
View HERE
ADDED PHONE NUMBER FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS: (863) 298-7500.
1/21/2021 UPDATE:
From the Polk County Health Department’s website:
“Update for January 21, 2021: The Florida Department of Health in Polk County continues to work diligently to protect the health of the residents in Polk County against COVID-19. This week, DOH-Polk is working with community vaccination partners including Lakeland Regional Health and BayCare, to assist with COVID-19 vaccinations across the county. “
For more info visit: the Polk County Health Department website HERE .
1/14/2021 UPDATE:
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County, in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners, launched Polk County’s COVID-19 vaccine registration portal.
You may create an account and then submit your personal information for a future vaccine appointment. To do so, visit the Florida Department of Health Polk County’s vaccination registration web portal HERE.
The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, free service, also known as The Coalition on Aging Transitions and Technology Inc. The mission of the Rath ConNEXTions Center is to “provide seniors 50+ with education, resources, services, advocacy, and leadership, enabling them to age with independence and dignity.”
This mission is realized through Senior Scholars education programs, referrals to agencies providing assistance and resources, and support groups. Ongoing seminars and meetings provide current information and research related to healthcare, social services, housing, transportation, and mental health.
REFERRAL HUB
As you face the multi-faceted challenges of aging, know that help is often just a phone call away. There are many valuable resources-often free-here in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. Let the Rath ConNEXTions Center help direct you to the resources that are right for you.
If you need assistance, call 863-220-7002
OUR BEGINNINGS – ONE MAN’S VISION
This innovative center is the vision of Alfred Rath and the Coalition on Aging Think Tank (CATT), and later changed to the Coalition on Aging Transitions and Technology, Inc. CATT, a grassroots organization that first proposed a need for coordinated aging services in the community, was started in 1997 and received 501 (3) (c) Non Profit status effective 2011.
Alfred Rath
Dr. Rosemarie S. Lamm directed and determined the needs of the aging population. As a result of the research conducted, and through the generous support of grants, the Rath Center, once a vision, became a reality in 2003 and currently serves as a model center in Florida.
THE GOAL OF THIS WEBSITE
The goal of our website is to add one more tool to provide seniors, their family/friends, and their caregivers’ additional resources for their care.
Feel free to leave questions or messages at the phone number or email below, and we will be more than happy to help you.
All the best,
Rosemarie S. Lamm, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., Executive Director
The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center
118 West Lemon Street
Lakeland, FL 33815
863-220-7002
CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 FOR SENIORS
As individuals age, coping strategies are developed. These coping behaviors provide strength for the many challenges facing seniors.
Dr. Rosemarie Lamm, Rath Executive Director, has addressed the challenges of Covid-19 for Seniors in a post that you can view HERE.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION:
1/14/2021 UPDATE:
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County, in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners, launched Polk County’s COVID-19 vaccine registration portal.
To create an account and then submit your personal information for a future vaccine appointment, visit the Florida Department of Health Polk County’s vaccination registration web portal HERE.
1/10/2021 UPDATE:
GO TO THE POLK COUNTY DEPT OF HEALTH WEBSITE HERE FOR IMPORTANT UPDATED INFORMATION
ADDED PHONE NUMBER FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS: (863) 298-7500.
1/6/2021 Please see our post on updated Covid-19 Vaccine information HERE.
First Meeting of 2021 – Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00 via Zoom.
Topic: Homelessness in Lakeland
- Mayor Bill Mutz of Lakeland
- Ben Stevenson, Executive Director of Lakeland Housing Authority
- Jeff Bagwell, Director of the Keystone Challenge Fund a nonprofit helping low/mid income families find homes
More information can be viewed HERE.
LAKELAND CITY OFFICIALS TO HOLD FORUM ON FAIR HOUSING ON 11/17/2020
More information can be viewed HERE (opens in a new tab).
Affordable Housing for Lakeland
Read about ongoing plans for Affordable Housing for Lakeland HERE (opens in a new tab).
Time to Review your Medicare plan!
To arrange to speak to a SHINE (Serving Health and Insurance Needs of Elders) counselor, see our post HERE.
SAVE THE DATE
What You Need to Know About 2021 Medicare Open Enrollment
The Rath Center Monthly Meeting via ZOOM
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
9:00 a.m.
If you are not receiving our monthly meeting notice, please contact Andy Crossfield at usandy@aol.com for the appropriate meeting ID and password/ phone number to join the meeting. Use “Request Zoom password for Rath Center meeting” in the subject line.
RATH CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director
Rosemarie S. Lamm, Ph.D., A.R.N.P.
Executive Board Members
Andy Crossfield, President
Sandie McRory, 1st Vice President
Jean Berken, Secretary
Gail Bagley, Treasurer
Emeritus
Patricia Boyce
Directors
Charles B. Burdette, Resource Specialist
Barbara Cage
Joe Echols, Information and Technology Specialist
Dr. Fred Gifun
T. L. Johnson
Glenn Jones
Sylvia Leddy
Lanet Owen
Laura Perez
Sherry Reader
Advisory Board
Kent Bristol
Lisa Buice
Liz Craven
Amy Dubose
Georgiana Goodson
Lynn Grady
Robert Groover
MaryLee Hollis
Dr. Ed Lamm
Armand Rapetti
Stephanie Rapetti
Theresa Reiter
Charlotte Thomas
I’m interested in joining zoom sessions and receiving newsletters.
Jane Murphy
Thank you, you have been added to our email list. You will receive emails for our Zoom General Meetings, and when in-person gatherings are safe again, emails for General Meetings in-person and Senior Scholar class information.
Joe Echols
Rath Volunteer
I am interested in being informed of the resources available in Polk County for my husband and for myself.
Hello MS Tilley,
Thank you for leaving a comment. I have added you to our email lists, and you will be provide with updates to our programs and others’ also.
If you have a specific question or are in need of assistance, you may call 963-220-7702. Our phone is staffed by volunteers, so if you don’t get an answer, please leave a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.
Best wishes,
Joe Echols
Rath Volunteer
Please add me to your mail least.
Mr. Ware,
Thank you for leaving a comment on our website. You have been added to our email lists, as you requested.
Best wishes,
Joe Echols
Rath Volunteer
Please add me to your email list.
Thank you,
Caron
I added you our email list as you requested. You will receive information as it is updated. Thank you for your interest.
Best wishes,
Joe Echols
Rath Volunteer
Please add me to your email list.
Thank you for your interest in the Rath Senior Center. You have been added to our email list.
Best wishes,
Joe Echols
Rath Volunteer