AARP New Jersey Provides COVID-19 Information through Telephone Town Halls

Posted on 06/14/20

During the pandemic, AARP New Jersey hosted numerous Telephone Town Hall forums connecting New Jerseyans with their representatives and state experts. AARP New Jersey’s guests provided information on how to stay informed and stay healthy during the pandemic. From March through June, there was more than 40,000 participants on the calls combined.

The guests discussed various topics, including COVID-19 fraud and scams, federal support for state and local governments, long-term care facilities, economic stimulus packages and much more. To learn about these Telephone Town Halls and listen to their recordings, see below.

The series kicked off with Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey’s Department of Health Commissioner, Judith Persichilli, and New Jersey’s Department of Human Services Commissioner, Carole Johnson. These state leaders discussed the status of coronavirus in New Jersey and the stay-at-home order. They also shared additional resources and discussed what was being done for older adults. You can listen to the recording here.

This was followed by a Telephone Town Hall with Karin Price Mueller, fraud expert and columnist for the Star Ledger. She discussed different types of coronavirus scams that were popping up in New Jersey, such as scams around vaccines and testing kits, and how people could protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 scams and identity theft. Participants had questions about what to do if your Social Security Number or tax return had been compromised, charity/donation scams, what to do if you are a victim of a scam, utility company scams, and how to report price gouging. You can listen to the recording here.

AARP NJ also hosted calls with several Congressmen and Congresswomen, the first of which was with Congressman Andy Kim of New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District. AARP New Jersey touched on Congressman Kim’s recent appointment to the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, which is working to address the economic impact the pandemic has had on the American people.

AARP New Jersey also hosted Telephone Town Halls with Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District.

Participants had questions about topics such as: economic impact payments, navigating unemployment, assistance for gig workers, how residents are being protected in long-term care facilities, Social Security, Paycheck Protection Program, support for essential workers, and the importance of keeping lines of communication open for our loved ones from a distance. You can listen to the recording for Congressman Andy Kim here, Congressman Pallone here, Congresswoman Sherrill here, and Congressman Gottheimer here.

AARP New Jersey also hosted a statewide call with U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. Senator Booker discussed protection for nursing home residents and staff, food assistance and accessibility, fighting high prescription drug prices, and how budget shortfalls will be addressed. You can find more information on his Telephone Town Hall here, and you can listen to the recording here.

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This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the AARP New Jersey page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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