California State News - AARP Bulletin Advocacy

California News

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Quilt for a Cure

by Donnan Runkel - 11/01/2011 More than 1,200 quilts have been donated to volunteer participants in Alzheimer's research since a September 2010 AARP Bulletin story alerted members to the project.

The effort is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study at the University of California San Diego, which since 1991 has coordinated more than 30 Alzheimer's studies nationwide. The idea is to express appreciation to patients who volunteer in clinical trials. Many donations come from quilters who lost a loved one to Alzheimer's disease and find comfort in sewing a quilt for someone who may help researchers find a cure, said Jeffree Wyn Itrich of ADCS.

The project — which will continue until a cure is discovered — needs new, homemade lap-size quilts (square or rectangular, about 40 to 50 inches per side). For more information, go to or email . To volunteer in a study, call 1-800-438-4380.

Medicare Posse

by Donnan Runkel - 6/01/2011 Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year. That's why AARP is working with California Health Advocates to recruit volunteers for the Senior Medicare Patrol. Volunteers will learn how to recognize scams, protect personal information, detect billing errors on Medicare summary notices or explanations of benefits, and report suspected fraud to authorities. After training, the volunteers will share these skills with neighbors at community events across the state. Nationwide, such efforts have resulted in nearly $4.6 million savings to Medicare since 1997. To volunteer, call 855-613-7080 or go to . Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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