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By Jan Jarvis 

 
For four years, Workforce Enhancement in Health Aging and Independent Living, or WE HAIL, has expanded training and services in the community to better serve older adults. 

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission recently recognized WE HAIL by presenting it the Innovators in Aging award. This is the first time the HHSC has presented the award, which honors programs that have made a positive impact on the lives of older Texans. WE HAIL is among five recipients honored for developing innovative programs. 

“Every day across the state, many people and organizations are quietly working to improve the lives of older Texans,” said Holly Riley, Aging Services Coordination Manager for HHSC. “It is important to recognize them for their contributions and that we encourage others to take innovative actions. 

UNT Health Science Center, which partners with Texas Christian University, JPS Health Network, United Way of Tarrant County’s Area Agency on Aging and several other community-based aging services providers, is honored to be recognized, said Janice Knebl, DO, MBA, Director of the Center for Geriatrics, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Endowed Chair and Professor in Geriatrics. 

“We are very excited to have our WE HAIL recognized by Texas Health and Human Services for an inaugural Innovator in Aging Award,” Dr. Knebl said. 

WE HAIL was established in July 2015 with funding from Health Resources and Services Administration’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program for $850,000 annually. 

The program was developed to transform clinical training environments for health care professionals and caregivers in order to meet the needs of older adults in Tarrant County and surrounding rural communities. 

In addition to offering training opportunities, WEHAIL promotes interprofessional teamwork by working with physicians, nurses, caregivers, physician assistants, physical therapists, pharmacists, social workers and others. 

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