Tallahassee Senior Center's UPSLIDE Program Honored with Innovation in Health Award

July 11, 2022

The City of Tallahassee is proud to announce that UPSLIDE, a program of the Tallahassee Senior Center, has been awarded the Innovation in Health Award by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This award recognizes UPSLIDE's impact in fostering a culture of health in the community.

Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in the Elderly, or UPSLIDE, is a unique, comprehensive program that addresses loneliness and isolation by connecting people age 50 and older to each other for meaningful social interaction. According to the CDC, "loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks... putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions."

"We are so excited to receive this recognition," Senior Services Manager Sheila Salyer said.

"Since 2018, UPSLIDE has helped nearly 500 participants. Through the program, a community has been built where members help each other in times of need and lasting friendships have formed."

UPSLIDE provides individual counseling, Friends Connection groups and fun activities, all at no cost to participants. It aims to form social connections and strengthen the safety net serving participants.

The NRPA Innovation Awards honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. They showcase the inspiring projects agencies are using to improve and empower their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and social equity. The Innovation in Health Award will be officially presented during the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., in September.

The TSC UPSLIDE program is a division of the City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Affairs Department in partnership with the TSC Foundation. Initially funded by a Florida Blue Foundation grant, additional funds have helped sustain the program including the FSU College of Medicine and the Tallahassee Leon County Nonprofit Services grant. For more information on programs and events, contact the Tallahassee Senior Center at 850-891-4000 or visit Talgov.com/Seniors. You can also keep up-to-date by liking the Tallahassee Senior Center on Facebook.