KENNEDY IS HONORED WITH ELSIE FRANK ELDERLY ADVOCACY AWARD FOR HIS LIFELONG WORK ON BEHALF OF OLDER AMERICANS AWARD GIVEN BY MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF OLDER AMERICANS

BOSTON, MA- Senator Edward M. Kennedy today received the Elsie Frank Elderly Advocacy Award from the Massachusetts Association of Older Americans (MAOA). Senator Kennedy’s nephew, Joe Kennedy III, accepted the award on his behalf. Joe Kennedy said, “All members of my family are taught at an early age that the test of a civilization is how it honors and respects the elderly. This award is particularly meaningful to Uncle Teddy because Elsie Frank lived that commitment. I know that Uncle Teddy will continue to fight for a prescription drug program that works for seniors, and gives them a real, comprehensive drug plan. He adamantly believes there is no reason why Massachusetts seniors should have to sort through 45 different prescription drug plans, and that number doesn’t even include the HMOs that offer drug plans of their own.” Kennedy was honored to receive the Elsie Frank Elderly Advocacy Award for his lifelong advocacy on behalf of older Americans. Congressman Barney Frank presented the award, named in memory of his mother Elsie Frank, who was a passionate activist for issues impacting seniors. The Massachusetts Association of Older Americans is dedicated to ensuring that all seniors remain active participants in the mainstream of life. Founded in 1969, MAOA has become the conscience for the promotion of social and economic security for Massachusetts seniors. Today, MAOA works on the critical issues of long-term care, housing, fuel assistance and mental illness.