During the Weld County Commissioner Regular Meeting on June 11, 2025, a significant proclamation was made to recognize June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of older adults in the community, emphasizing their contributions to society and the need for protection against abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Tammy Grant, Deputy Director of the Department of Human Services, addressed the commissioners, detailing the critical role of the Weld County Adult Protective Services (APS) team. She noted that APS investigates allegations of mistreatment and coordinates services to prevent harm, striving to respect the autonomy of vulnerable adults. The statistics shared during the meeting were alarming; in 2024, APS investigated 1,028 allegations of abuse, a 29% increase from the previous year. This rise underscores the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures in the community.

The commissioners expressed their support for the proclamation, with Commissioner Pepper highlighting the pervasive issues of ageism and elder abuse. She urged the community to challenge stereotypes about older adults and recognize their capabilities. Commissioner Maxey echoed these sentiments, noting the significant number of individuals affected by elder abuse and the importance of raising awareness to combat these issues.

Commissioner Ross also emphasized the seriousness of the situation, acknowledging the rapid increase in investigations related to potential abuse. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the APS team and the importance of community awareness in addressing these challenges.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for citizens to participate in activities promoting elder abuse awareness, reinforcing the county's commitment to protecting its older residents. The proclamation serves not only as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by older adults but also as a rallying point for community engagement and support.