Tishomingo, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Access to health care services

Description: The Southern Oklahoma Library System introduced a telehealth pod to reduce barriers for older adults who often travel hundreds of miles for routine care. The private space, equipped with computers, medical devices and adjustable seating, allows residents to access specialists without leaving town. Beyond health care, the pod supports legal and financial consultations, expanding its impact. One user with hearing difficulty reported a successful virtual visit thanks to the pod's bright lighting and large screen-an improvement over previous struggles with small devices. The project is paving the way for additional pods in rural libraries.

Allen, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Micromobility enhancements/management

Description: To encourage older residents to become more active and use the local trail system, the City of Allen purchased six adult electric tricycles for the Allen Senior Recreation Center. Center members can check out the trikes to use when weather permits. The tricycles provide supplementary electric power to assist with peddling when needed, enabling users with varying mobility levels to ride them. To get the lending program started, City built a storage facility for the tricycles and offered a skills class for riders. Additionally, they provided helmets, orange safety flags and bike locks. Although motorized vehicles typically aren't typically allowed on Allen's nearby Cottonwood Creek Hike/Bike trail, the City has made an exception for the trikes.