Oklahoma AG Wins National Law Award

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has been named the recipient of 2008 National Aging and Law Award, co-sponsored by the AARP Foundation, the charitable arm of the association.  The award, which was given during the eighth annual National Aging and Law Conference (NALC), sponsored by the AARP Foundation, the ABA Commission on Law and Aging, the National Senior Citizens Law Center, The Center for Social Gerontology, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Consumer Law Center and the National Association of State Units on Aging, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to justices for older persons, AARP said.

“NALC joins in honoring Drew Edmondson for his uninterrupted efforts to advance quality of life for older persons at the end of life,” said Robin Talbert, AARP Foundation President. “By conferring this National Aging and Law Award on Mr. Edmondson, the NALC Advisory Committee recognizes his dedication and passion for his work for older persons not only in his home state of Oklahoma but also all across the country.”

Edmondson was cited for his commitment to end-of-life issues for older persons, his work on chronic pain suffered by older Americans and as the chief consumer advocate in Oklahoma.

“I am humbled and honored by this award,” Edmondson said. “The work done by AARP and all the partners on behalf of senior Americans is noble work, and I am pleased to be recognized among their ranks. I will work to earn this honor every day by continuing the fight to protect our elderly citizens from fraud and abuse.”

“We are certainly proud that Drew Edmondson is being recognized nationally for his life-long commitment to older Americans,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Nancy Coffer. “Drew has been a friend to AARP Oklahoma and we are gratified that he has received his honor. We applaud him.”

Previous recipients of the National Aging and Law Award include Dean Clingan-Fisher, Iowa Legal Services Developer; Michael C. Parks, Senior Citizens Law Office of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Joan O’Sullivan, Maryland Legal Aid Bureau; Alison E. Hirschel, Michigan Poverty Law Program; and Natalie K. Thomas, Georgia Legal Services Developer.