Mrs. Klinger, a registered nurse and PrimeTime Health Volunteer, is a resident of Watsontown. She began volunteering for the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. Prime Time Health program in 2005 after she retired as Director of Nursing at a long term care facility. The Prime Time Health program is the Pennsylvania Department of Aging health promotion initiative, the goals of which are to keep older adults active, healthy and living independently as long as possible. Linda was looking for a meaningful way to serve older adults while continuing to use her nursing skills, so Prime Time Health was a perfect fit for her.
Linda provides monthly blood pressure screenings for senior center participants at the Penns Creek Adult Resource Center and the Lewisburg Senior Center. According to Debbie Sanders, RN, MSN, Prime Time Health Coordinator for the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc., “It is so good for me to know that this most valuable screening is provided by someone so competent, and who functions with a very high level of skill and professionalism. I know that our senior center participants are in excellent hands with Linda. She has an overall high concern for people’s well-being.” Linda also does educational presentations at the senior centers on various health promotion topics such as blood pressure basics, heart health, and shaking the salt habit.
In 2013 Linda became certified to teach the Healthy Steps Older Adults fall prevention program. Along with two other volunteers, and staff from partner organizations, she is a highly valued member of this teaching team. Linda also provides valuable input into the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. Prime Time Health Advisory Committee. She also assists with an annual health screening event by serving as a greeter, guiding participants to various providers, and helping people to complete a written evaluation of the event.
In her letter of support for Linda’s nomination Debbie Sanders wrote, “Linda’s work with various Prime Time Health programs directly contributes to the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging’s mission of helping older adults to stay active and live independently as long as possible. In particular the blood pressure screenings are not a “one and done” program, and through this program more people are screened than with any other program. People who have followed up with their doctor as a result of Linda’s recommendation have made significant life-saving changes, and many of them have maintained these life style changes over many years. Linda is very dedicated to her volunteer work. In so many ways she is truly helping to improve the lives of many older adults, a most valuable service not only to the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc., but also to our communities. I highly recommend Linda for the 2016 Volunteer Spotlight Award. She is so deserving of such recognition because she truly makes a difference in people’s lives every time she volunteers.”
On behalf of State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver Angie Lambousis also presented Linda Klinger with a House citation in honor of her receiving the PA Department of Aging volunteer spotlight Award.
Other people in attendance for the award presentation to Linda were the senior center participants who wrote a letter of support for the award nomination; Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. (USAA) staff, including Chris Erb, Senior Center Manager; Debbie Sanders, Prime Time Health Coordinator; Tiffany Snook, Director of Community Services; Holly Kyle, Executive Director; and Apprise staff, Lyn Mathias and Jessica Cohick. Additional guests included Peggy Chamberlain, Snyder County Commissioner and President of the USAA Board of Directors; John Showers, Union County Commissioner and USAA Board Member; USAA Board Members Del Kennedy and Ethel Ann Jones, who has also been an Apprise volunteer for 20 years. Linda Klinger’s husband, William, was present along with their son-in-law, Andy Kyle. William Klinger also volunteers for the USAA Apprise program.
For information on volunteer opportunities with the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. call 570-524-2100 or 570-374-5558, Mon –Fri 8:30 am – 4:00