(Photo provided) Pictured from left are Beth Kowalczyk, executive director of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging; Sgt. Luke Forshey of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Washington County post; Duana Patton, board president for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging; Robert Moat, occupational therapist with Memorial Health System; Jennifer Westfall, aging and health director at Buckeye Hills Regional Council; Julia Hinzman, mobility manager at BHRC; Kelly Isaly, mobility manager at BHRC; and Melissa Zoller, planning director at BHRC.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging celebrated its 36th Annual Conference Oct. 15-16 in Columbus, bringing together over 500 professionals from across Ohio’s aging and disability network for two days of learning, collaboration and recognition.

During the conference, the association, also known as o4a, announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and innovation have strengthened services for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families across Ohio.

Among this year’s honorees were Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Memorial Health System and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Washington County post, who were recognized with an Outstanding Partnership Award for their work to bring the CarFit driver safety program to southeast Ohio.

“The program’s success, which offers vehicle safety checks, adaptive equipment guidance, and driver education, has inspired expansion to additional counties, demonstrating the power of cross-sector partnerships to improve safety and independence,” said o4a Board President Duana Patton.

CarFit primarily serves older adult drivers, helping them maintain safety, independence, and confidence on the road. Participants receive personalized vehicle adjustments, education on safe driving practices, and recommendations for adaptive equipment when needed.

The program also benefits families and caregivers by providing peace of mind and reassures the broader community by promoting safer streets.

In early 2024, the Buckeye Hills mobility managers Julia Hinzman and Kelly Isaly began seeking partners to bring a CarFit event to Washington County, with the goal of later expanding into Noble and Monroe counties. The first key step was forming a partnership with an Occupational Therapy program. Having volunteered at a CarFit event during college, Moat, with Memorial’s occupational therapy team, was already familiar with the program and eager to support.

“From an occupational therapy perspective, this collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to promote safe and independent mobility for older adults in our community,” said Moat. “CarFit aligns closely with OT’s focus on enabling participation in meaningful activities–specifically driving, which is critical to maintaining autonomy and engagement in daily life. By partnering with Buckeye Hills Regional Council, our team can directly contribute our expertise in assessing functional abilities and making practical recommendations, ultimately supporting older drivers to stay safe, confident, and connected to their communities.”

The first CarFit event was held in August 2024 in Washington County, where three occupational therapists completed CarFit training and became certified as occupational therapy technicians. Following this success, the hospital agreed to expand its support to Noble and Monroe counties. By spring 2025, CarFit events were once again held in all three counties, and the interest quickly spread–other counties in the region began requesting events in their own communities. At that point, Memorial Health System committed to supporting the broader region wherever needed.

“Memorial Health System’s involvement proved vital,” said Hinzman. “The hospital’s occupational therapists provided vehicle safety and comfort adjustments, recommended adaptive equipment, and educated participants on how aging can affect driving.”

“Without Memorial Health System’s leadership and expertise, the success and reach of the CarFit program would not have been possible,” added Isaly. “This partnership was truly invaluable.”

Following a presentation in Columbus during the early planning stages of bringing CarFit to the region, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Washington County post reached out to become a partner. At the first event in August 2024, 10 troopers from the Washington County post completed CarFit technician training, equipping them to directly support the program and help improve senior driver safety in the community. Since then, OSHP has continued to support CarFit events, and their involvement has inspired other posts to send officers for training in additional counties.

“It was an honor and privilege to receive the CarFit award and create a partnership that will benefit the community,” said patrol Sgt. Luke Forshey.

“The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s partnership enhances CarFit by building community trust, increasing program visibility, providing driver safety education, and demonstrating a united commitment to keeping older adults safe and independent on the road,” said Buckeye Hills Planning Director Melissa Zoller, who oversees the Mobility Management program. “The strong support of these partnerships has created a lasting presence for CarFit in Southeast Ohio, strengthening efforts to improve senior driver safety.”

Buckeye Hills Regional Council has hosted seven CarFit events in Washington, Noble, and Monroe counties since 2024, with more events being planned. In addition, mobility managers with Perry County Mobility Management and with Hocking Athens Perry Community Action have hosted CarFit events, while Morgan County Mobility Management hosted one on Oct. 23.

The initiative has even prompted some local elected officials to get involved. Washington County Commissioner and Buckeye Hills Executive Committee President James Booth has volunteered and received CarFit Technician training to help with events in Washington County.

“I am so proud of the commitment Buckeye Hills employees have for our area’s seniors,” said Booth.

“CarFit is a valuable resource,” said Washington County resident Shirley Harmon, who participated in a recent event in Washington County. “Even with a newer car, I learned useful information. I am so glad to see events like this being offered for seniors.”

“The collaborative efforts of our Mobility Managers, Memorial Health System occupational therapists, the Ohio State Highway Patrol are resulting in significant improvements in the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities,” said Buckeye Hills Aging and Health Director Jennifer Westfall. “Through hands-on support from trained occupational therapists and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, CarFit is empowering seniors to drive safely longer while fostering stronger community connections and awareness around aging and driving.”

To learn more about Buckeye Hills Regional Council, visit www.buckeyehills.org, call 740-374-9436 or 1-800-331-2644 (toll-free), or email info@buckeyehills.org.