Monday, April 22 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

The Toll of Health Inequity on Aging

Charles Booker
Kentucky State Director of
Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

 

After earning his B.S. and JD from the University of Louisville, Charles has fought for equity and justice in every level of government, including being elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2018 as the youngest Black Kentucky state legislator in nearly 90 years. As a legislator, Charles fought for issues such as common-sense gun safety, lower prescription drug prices, voting rights, racial equity, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, worker's rights, fairness and human rights for all. Charles rose to national prominence in 2020, following an improbable, people-powered run in the Kentucky U.S. Senate Democratic Primary. In 2022, Charles led his historic grassroots movement in another run for the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Black Kentuckian to receive a major party nomination for the office. Charles is a published author of the noted memoir “From the Hood to the Holler”, and featured in the award-winning documentary also entitled, "From the Hood to the Holler". Building on his vision of empowering voices in all marginalized communities, Charles founded Hood to the Holler, a people-centered organization focused on building coalitions across urban and rural divides to strengthen democracy and end generational poverty. Charles is continuing his service by leading organizing and coalition efforts as Kentucky State Director of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives in the office of the Governor.

Monday, April 22 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Advances in Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

Gregory Jicha, MD
Professor of Neurology
University of Kentucky

 

Gregory Jicha is a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Jicha holds the Robert T. & Nyles Y. McCowan Endowed Chair in Alzheimer’s Research at UK. Dr. Jicha directs the scientific efforts of the Clinical Core of the UK , NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He also operates the Telemedicine Cognitive Clinic at UK, designed to reach out to rural populations across KY for both clinical and research-related activities in the area of AD and related disorders. 

Monday, April 22 | 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Women and the Influences of Aging on Caregiving Roles

Vicki Hines-Martin, PhD
Professor Emerita
School of Nursing, UofL 

 
Dr. Hines-Martin completed doctoral education at the University of Kentucky. She has more than 30 years as an educator, teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate through graduate levels of nursing education.  Dr. Hines-Martin has been a faculty member at the University of Louisville School of Nursing since 1998 and her scholarship has focused on mental health, health equity, cultural diversity and community engaged partnerships. As of 2020, she has published 38 peer-reviewed articles, 30 non-peer-reviewed/invited articles, 14 book chapters and 2 books (one awarded AJN recognition for psychiatric mental health nursing).

Tuesday, April 23 | 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

US Aging Policy Update

Bob Blancato, MPA
Executive Director
National Association of Nutrition 
and Aging Services

Robert “Bob” Blancato is the executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs. He is also President of Matz, Blancato and Associates, the National Coordinator of the bipartisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition, and the National Coordinator of the Defeat Malnutrition Today coalition.   

Bob has long been recognized as a national advocate with policy expertise on behalf of older adults. In 2019, he was invited by both the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee to testify on a range of issues. 

US Aging Policy Update

Sandy Markwood, MA
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of
Area Agencies on Aging


Sandy Markwood is a national advocate for aging issues and a champion for ensuring that people have the best supports to age well at home and in their communities. As the CEO of USAging since 2002, she is committed to ensuring that as a society we value and support people across the lifespan. That commitment has taken many forms, including advocacy with multiple Administrations and on Capitol Hill for the passage of legislation aimed at supporting older adults including access to critical information, in-home services, and caregiver support.

Tuesday, April 23 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Search for Equitable Health Care as We Grow Older: Octogenerians and Nonagenarians Share Insights on Aging Optimally

Anna Faul, PhD
Executive Director
UofL Trager Institute/Republic Bank
Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic

Anna Faul is the executive director of the Trager Institute at the University of Louisville and a professor at the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville. Her 37-year career has been dedicated to helping older adults live productive and healthy lives across the lifespan. Her research focuses on the critical needs in the field of aging and chronic disease management.

She has been awarded 16 awards for excellence in teaching, has published numerous peer reviewed articles, book chapters and books and has presented over 100 peer-reviewed national presentations.