News From Rhode Island

AARP in Your State

November 2009

Street smarts — A pilot project in Newport aims to make the town more livable by improving streets and roads so people can get around more easily on foot, by bicycle or by public transportation, as well as by car.

The "complete streets" project encourages transportation planners to design roads with all users in mind by including features such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes and sheltered bus stops. AARP Rhode Island has trained volunteers to make presentations to city agencies and serve on local planning commissions.

"Mobility is the linchpin to successful aging," says Kathleen Connell, AARP's state director. "Having transportation options promotes independence and empowers nondrivers to have more control over their lives."

To get involved—or to learn how to make it easier to travel in your hometown—go to www.aarp.org/ri.

October 2009

Rx replay — Lawmakers restored funding for Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly in the 2010 budget bill, which took effect July 1. Nonetheless, in light of recent budget forecasts, the popular program may again be in jeopardy next year.

The state prescription drug program has helped about 18,000 Rhode Islanders pay for medication costs not covered by Medicare Part D. AARP testified against eliminating the program, rallied members to show support for it and directed hundreds of e-mails to lawmakers, urging them to include full funding for the program in the budget.

To follow this issue, watch for updates at www.aarp.org/ri.

September 2009

Investing in care — With an increasing shortage of health care professionals to meet the needs of an aging population, AARP supports efforts to expand nursing education.

In July, at the request of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, state lawmakers enacted a measure to establish the Center for Health Professions. The center is charged with finding solutions to the shortage of nursing instructors at state colleges and universities and reducing the backlog of students seeking admittance to the state's nursing programs.

AARP supported the state effort and is working with the Center to Champion Nursing in America to bolster nursing education nationwide. To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/nursing.