Orange County NC Website
6 <br /> Page 2 of 3 Mary Lucas <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> The aging population has been my focus in my professional and personal life for years. I am very <br /> involved in many different segments of the industry and work tirelessly to support organizations <br /> across our community that advocate for the aging. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> Working in healthcare offers a unique and valuable perspective to the Advisory Board on Aging <br /> by providing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within the aging population. <br /> Healthcare professionals interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to <br /> understand the varied needs and preferences of older adults, including those related to access <br /> to care, chronic disease management, mental health, and social determinants of health. This <br /> experience fosters an understanding of the intersection between health, socioeconomic factors, <br /> and aging, ensuring that policies and solutions are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the <br /> diverse needs of older adults. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> I'm not sure if conflict- but I do work at a nonprofit hospice/palliative care organization. I also <br /> host a rad ioshow/pod cast for the aging population (Aging Matters-W PTF) <br /> Human Relations Commission <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> I have served on the City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission (two terms and once as co- <br /> chair), and Community Engagement Board. I was very involved when living there and would <br /> welcome the opportunity to serve in Orange County as well. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> Working directly with individuals from varied backgrounds has given me valuable insight into how <br /> social determinants of health, access to services, and cultural differences shape people s <br /> experiences. I believe this perspective would contribute meaningfully to the Human Relations <br /> Commission, helping to promote equity, inclusion, and positive relationships within the <br /> community by advocating for policies that address the varied needs of all residents, particularly <br /> underserved and vulnerable populations. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> I think I would continue to focus on reaching populations who are less involved -or not at all <br /> involved - and meeting people where they are to engage them in the county conversations. This <br /> was a huge focus for me in Raleigh. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Animal Services Advisory Board <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> I currently serve on the Board for a nonprofit dog/cat rescue, foster hospice/aging dogs, and am <br /> a volunteer at UNC Hillsborough Hospital with my therapy dog -Waylon. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> Animal rights and advocacy is a huge passion of mine! I work regularly with county shelters <br /> across our state and am very familiar with the system. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> The rescue perspective on how we can work closer together to save more lives, relieve shelter <br /> burdens as much as possible, and efficiently provide care to the county. <br />