Judy Thomas, JD, CEO of the Coalition for Compassionate Care, has been named by California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly to serve on the Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee, a diverse group of stakeholders with varying expertise and experiences who will help to develop components of the Master Plan, including best practices and data metrics, to guide the work of state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropy to build environments that promote an age-friendly California.
“With the aging of California’s diverse population, Governor Newsom recognizes the need for California to think strategically and holistically about what the changing demographics mean for our state,” said Judy Thomas. “My appointment to the Stakeholder Advisory Committee is a recognition by Secretary Ghaly that palliative care will play an important role in California’s future and deserves to have a seat at the table of this very important public policy discussion.”
In January, as part of his first State of the State Address, Governor Gavin Newsom called for a creation of a Master Plan for Aging. Also, the Governor issued an Executive Order tasking CHHS to convene a Cabinet Workgroup for Aging and a Stakeholder Advisory Committee to develop and issue a Master Plan by October 1, 2020.
The Stakeholder Advisory Committee will work across sectors to develop a roadmap that envisions a future where all Californians, regardless of race, economic status or level of support, can grow old safely, with dignity and independence. The Stakeholder Advisory Committee will advise the Cabinet Workgroup on Aging in the development of the Master Plan.