Group’s new name emphasizes elder abuse prevention

The Clark County Vulnerable Adult Task Force has changed its name to the Southwest Washington Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition to reflect the group’s expansion to four more counties and to clarify its mission.

“The idea is to sweep out elder abuse,” said Gail Haskett, board member. “We focused on coming up with an acronym people could remember.”

The nonprofit group now represents Clark, Klickitat, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.

The group’s board will be expanded from seven to 20 members in order to represent the new communities.

The vulnerable adult task force was formed to combat physical, mental and financial abuse of vulnerable adults. It helped to establish the Clark County Elder Justice Center, which identifies and prosecutes cases of elder abuse.

Its mission is focused on prevention, education and support of abuse victims.

The coalition is seeking individual and corporate memberships. The annual membership fee is $25 per year for an individual and $100 for two members of a corporation. Membership is free for government entities.

The group’s first event is a workshop on the basics of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. The workshop will begin at noon Sept. 27 at the Clark County Career Development Center in the Timbers Building, 9120 N.E. Vancouver Mall Loop in Vancouver.

To join, call 360-910-1044 or email nwhc@live.com.