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SMAA Awards Regina Phillips, DSW

Regina Phillips and Megan Walton stand together for a photo

Cross Cultural Community Services (CCCS) is thrilled to announce that Regina Phillips, Co-Founder of CCCS, has been honored with the "Champion for Older Adults" award from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA). This recognition highlights CCCS' impactful work in supporting older adults, particularly those in BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, addressing critical healthcare access and equity gaps in Maine.


Phillips, a long-time advocate for underserved populations, has committed to breaking down healthcare and social support barriers. In partnership with organizations like the Maine Council on Aging, CCCS has launched its latest "Achieving Healthcare Equity in Aging" initiative. The initiative aims to combat the systemic inequities older Mainers face, particularly in marginalized communities.


Regina Phillips speaks to a room about the importance of CCCS' work with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ elders

Achieving Healthcare Equity in Aging: A Path Forward


The Achieving Healthcare Equity in Aging initiative is a project designed to reimagine the healthcare experience for older adults across Maine. Leveraging the insights gathered from focus groups and provider retreats, CCCS has pinpointed several vital priorities that will drive its strategy:


  1. Improving Access to Information and Resources: Many older adults, particularly those from immigrant and marginalized backgrounds, are often left out of critical healthcare and social service conversations. CCCS is working to ensure that resources and information are available, culturally appropriate, and accessible, bridging the communication gap.


  1. Addressing Isolation and Invisibility: Social isolation is a common issue faced by older adults, particularly in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, where systemic marginalization exacerbates feelings of invisibility. CCCS seeks to build stronger community connections, promote intergenerational dialogue, and foster environments where all older adults feel seen and valued.


  1. Enhancing Predictability in Services: One of the most significant challenges older adults face is the unpredictable nature of accessing services, whether it's healthcare, housing, or support services. CCCS advocates for greater coordination among providers and more consistent service delivery to ensure that older Mainers receive timely and reliable care.


  1. Expanding Behavioral Health Support: The need for mental health and behavioral support in aging populations is often overlooked. CCCS is actively working to expand the availability of culturally competent behavioral health services.


  1. Promoting Cultural Understanding: At the heart of CCCS' mission is the belief that cultural competency is essential for effective care. Through workshops, training sessions, and advocacy, CCCS promotes cultural understanding, ensuring that healthcare providers and social workers are equipped to meet the diverse needs of Maine’s aging population.


Regina Phillips and Meredith Anderson stand together for a photo

A Collaborative Effort to Combat Ageism


CCCS is not working in isolation. An aging advisory committee, composed of diverse stakeholders from healthcare, social services, and the communities they serve, plays a pivotal role in driving strategic solutions. Their collective insights help shape the policies and actions CCCS advocates for, with the ultimate goal of combatting ageism and ensuring health equity for all older Mainers.


With initiatives like these, Cross Cultural Community Services is at the forefront of making Maine a place where every older adult can thrive, regardless of their background. The "Champion for Older Adults" award is a testament to CCCS' unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and community well-being.

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Press Contact:

Warren Edgar (He/Him)

warren@cccsmaine.org

Staff Contact:

Cross Cultural Communtiy Services

adr@crossculturalcommunityservices.org

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