(Washington, DC) The US Administration on Aging (AOA) has selected the senior wellness centers in the District of Columbia as its Choices for Independence Program Champion for June 5.

 “I am pleased that AOA has recognized the programs that we offer our residents," said Sam Gawad, interim director, DC Office on Aging.  “Our wellness centers provide services that promote healthy habits, enhance social, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing and help to prevent unnecessary and costly medical problems associated with the aging process.”

The Office on Aging currently has three wellness centers, in Wards Five, Seven and Eight.  Two more centers will soon be added in Wards One and Four;  a groundbreaking will take place this month in Ward One, and the Ward Four wellness center will open this summer.

According to the AOA, the 2007 Program Champions demonstrate streamlined access to information and services, evidence-based prevention and wellness projects, and consumer-directed service programs that help seniors avoid unnecessary placement in nursing home facilities. The 2007 Champions can be found at www.aoa.gov.