Champion Your Health: Communications Strategies for Older Americans Month

Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Ms. D’Antonio directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. She represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief, and a member of the steering committee for several federally focused coalitions. Ms. D’Antonio is also the executive director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.

Hannah Albers is passionate about building communities where all people can thrive at every age. As Director of Program Development at the National Center to Reframe Aging, she leads national efforts to improve the way we talk about aging, challenge ageism, and promote narratives that reflect the full value and potential of all of us as we age. Hannah guides the development of innovative programs, resources, and partnerships that help advocates, policymakers, and organizations across the country reframe conversations about aging. She’s a nationally recognized speaker and facilitator, known for translating research into practical strategies that inspire action and create lasting social change. Before joining the National Center, Hannah worked with a senior services organization, where she built expertise in project management, strategic planning, leadership development, and data analysis—and played a key role in launching a grant-making initiative focused on community based supports for older people. She holds a degree in International Business and Global Service from Valparaiso University.

Jill Renken, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA), collaboratively supports and guides WIHA in its mission to improve the health and well-being of all people as we age. Jill has a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion & Wellness and Master of Public Health degree. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. Jill has done health education work in the university, healthcare, and worksite employee wellness setting, with most experience in community wellness programs. Over the past 19 years, she has worked within Wisconsin’s Aging Network to oversee statewide implementation of healthy aging programs and initiatives, including the research and development of evidence-based programs that improve the health and quality of life of older adults in Wisconsin and Nationwide.