Camarillo, CA – The Camarillo Health Care District (District) is honored to announce it has been recognized by the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) to receive the first-ever Optimal Aging Award for an Organization.

The District was selected a result of its long history of supporting, serving and inspiring the community in maximizing health status and independent living, while optimizing aging. The agency provides resources and education to support both the aging individual and his/her family and caregivers through a variety of services and programs, including Home Assessments, Hospital-to-Home Care Transitions Services, Case Management, the Building Hope Adult Day Center, the Wellness & Caregiver Center of Ventura County, Memory Cafés, a Senior Nutrition Program, and Care-A-Van Transportation Services.

District CEO Kara Ralston was honored to accept the award on behalf of the agency. “Our tagline is ‘Changing Aging’…it’s a phrase that encompasses an agency-wide philosophical shift that seeks to change some key paradigms about aging, and we are determined to challenge some long-held societal standards of aging…the image of aging, the stigma of aging, the sometimes very difficult reality of aging,” Ralston said. “We are absolutely honored to be recognized amongst such a powerful group of advocates for older adults, and remain committed to making transformative efforts to improve the aging process for all.”

The award program was developed by VCAAA’s Advisory Council Optimal Aging Committee and VCAAA staff. The committee’s role is to encourage and inspire older adults to enhance the quality of their lives, to maintain their identity and independence, to foster self-direction and to encourage them to be engaged and productive in a variety of activities regardless of disabilities or adverse medical conditions.