FirstStop MV is the Island’s only centralized information resource hub for seniors and senior services. People can connect to services through FirstStop MV’s website 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and through its staffed phone service on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Launched in December 2015, the website has received some 1,600 unique visitors so far in 2016, and many direct calls to the staff service as well. It does not duplicate anything available either in print or web, and is regularly maintained with up-to-date information about services available to seniors on Island, as well as through state and national programs.

FirstStop MV is an initiative of Healthy Aging MV, developed through private donations and volunteers, and is currently funded by all six Island towns through the end of June. Now it is time to support funding for the next fiscal year. Healthy Aging MV is grateful for each of the towns’ groundbreaking support at last year’s town meetings. We must now sustain the same level of commitment in order for the nascent program to take root and continue to grow and develop to best serve the needs of our rapidly aging Island community.

Please consider attending your town meeting, speaking on behalf of FirstStop and advocating for the continued development of this important program. Thank yon in advance for your continued support.

Leonard Jason Jr.

Chilmark

The writer is a member of the Healthy Aging Oversight Committee.